Impact of Extreme Ambient Temperatures on Psychiatric Hospital Admissions in an Arid Urban Environment in Iran: A Time-Series Dataset

This study explores the relationship between extreme temperature events and psychiatric hospital admissions in the hot-arid region of central Iran, filling a critical gap in climate and mental health research. Leveraging time-series data from 7,639 cases at Yazd's sole psychiatric hospital from 2014 to 2020, advanced statistical analyses assessed the impact of daily minimum temperatures on admissions within a one-week lag. The findings indicate that extreme heat significantly increases the likelihood of psychiatric admissions, particularly for mood disorders, with the most substantial effects occurring immediately or shortly after exposure. Vulnerability to extreme temperatures varies by demographic factors, with men, married individuals, and younger adults exhibiting heightened sensitivity to heat, while women and older adults show delayed responses to extreme cold. These results underscore the pressing need for targeted mental health interventions that consider the effects of climatic extremes, particularly for vulnerable populations, and provide essential insights for climate-responsive healthcare planning in arid regions.