Psychiatric emergencies are often wide increase during the summer. Aurélie Schandrin, psychiatrist at the Nîmes University Hospital, reports on the psychological consequences of the heat wave.
“The CHU has been in tension since June. There are many consultations in psychiatric emergencies at the moment, and the hospital unit is filled“Explains Aurélie Schandrin, psychiatrist in Nîmes.
In extreme temperature periods, suicide rates are widely increased. A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, in 2022, corroborates this causal link between heat and suicide. “”Several studies have tried to show an association between temperature and suicide. The vast majority of analyzes […] were in favor of an increased risk of suicide with higher ambient temperatures“, can we read in the article.
Dr. Schandrin confirms: “Extreme heat is a general stressor that brings more problems on mental health in the population. It worsens stress, sleep disorders, irritability …“
The heat wave has an even greater impact on people already affected by mental disorders. “”Some may manage stress with more difficulties, we are not all equal in mental health“.
The psychiatrist notably notes this phenomenon in young adults, a patient who she takes care of. Summer is more conducive to outings and, therefore, for consumption of substances, such as alcohol or drugs, or, conversely, can be a period of isolation for certain people.
Redouble vigilance in the event of taking psychotropic drugs
“During the hot weather, there are also somatic complications that are sometimes accompanied by psychic problems“She explains.
Dehydration, when it is very important, can cause confusion, hallucinations, increase heart rate and palpitations.
Anxious people are therefore more in difficulty since these symptoms can trigger and amplify an anxiety.
The psychiatrist especially advises people who take psychotropic drugs, such as antidepressants and antipsychotics, from “Redouble vigilance in summer“. These drugs change the feeling and the capacity to adapt to heat, which can cause discomfort and significant dehydration.
Emergency numbers do not stop in summer
In addition to heat, summer is a moment of difficulty for more vulnerable people. This is the holiday period for healthcare professionals, so it is more difficult to find medical help. This lack of support at the start of the crisis is an aggravating factor.
If necessary, it is important to contact the help numbers such as 3114, national suicide prevention number, the SOS Suicide line on 01 45 39 40 00 or that of suicide listening on 01 45 39 40 00.
