How Extreme Heat Impacts Mental Health: A Psychiatrist’s Perspective

Extreme heat events, often characterized by persistent “heat domes,” significantly increase risks to mental health by disrupting cortisol regulation and restricting access to coping mechanisms. According to Dr. Laurie Ballew, a doctor of psychiatric medicine at Four Rivers Behavioral Health, rising temperatures correlate with spikes in irritability, domestic violence, and psychiatric emergency room visits as … Read more