Guest Post: Extreme Heat and Antipsychotic Medications: Raising Awareness

Extreme heat events are increasing in frequency and intensity in British Columbia, with important implications for patient safety. The 2021 “heat dome” highlighted how environmental conditions can rapidly impact vulnerable populations across the province.

The BC Psychosis Program would like to raise awareness of a recent study examining extreme heat and health outcomes among people with schizophrenia in British Columbia, including considerations related to antipsychotic medication use.

This emerging area of research highlights a timely intersection between environmental conditions, medication use, and population health during extreme heat events.

This work contributes to a growing body of research exploring how environmental conditions such as extreme heat may affect individuals with complex health needs.

Increasing awareness of emerging research in this area may support broader conversations about patient safety during extreme heat events.

Further information is available below:

• BC Psychosis Program | Vancouver Coastal Health
• Antipsychotics and other risk factors for mortality among people with schizophrenia during an extreme heat event: a population-based case-control study - PMC