Recap of the Mind Mixer “Environmental Risk Factors and Mental Health,” held on October 7, with Professors Franck Schurhoff, Baptiste Pignon, and Maximo Coll.
The event was co-organized by the Fondation FondaMental and Newfund Heka, and took place at the Sisley-d’Ornano Foundation, with the attendance of Professor Marion Leboyer.
It offered a compelling insight into the impact of the urban environment on the onset of mental illnesses.
Every year, 1 in 5 people in France is affected by a psychiatric disorder, making it the leading cause of disability in the country.
Living or growing up in a city doubles the risk of developing mental disorders, particularly schizophrenia—a link identified as early as the 1930s and since confirmed by numerous studies.
In 2018, 55% of the world’s population lived in urban areas—a proportion expected to reach 68% by 2050.
Why does urban living increase risks?
The exposome approach helps us better understand this influence by examining the interplay between psychosocial factors (stress, trauma, migration, etc.) and physical factors (pollution, infections, climate, and more).
Urbanicity is a risk marker.
The exposome is particularly dense in cities, including neurotoxic effects from air pollution, perinatal infections, and reduced access to nature and green spaces.
Studies show significant variations between countries, cities, and even neighborhoods, highlighting the role of local environments.
Other key insights:
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Pollution spikes increase visits to emergency departments.
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Physical activity and contact with green spaces have a scientifically proven protective effect.
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Fine particles are still omnipresent: less prevalent than in the 1990s, but still above World Health Organization recommended thresholds, and they cause damage to the human brain.
A special focus was also given to PEPR PROPSY and its ongoing research on the subject.
To (re)discover the targeted PUMA project, click here.
Images © Newfund.