As pollution levels rise across Indian cities, the impact is no longer limited to breathing troubles or burning eyes. A growing section of psychiatrists now says that toxic air may be reshaping the country’s mental-health landscape.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, doctors are recording a noticeable surge in anxiety, low mood, irritability and cognitive complaints during periods of extremely poor Air Quality Index (AQI).

Toxic air and the mind: What doctors are noticing

Dr Shivi Kataria, consultant psychiatrist at CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, said in an interview with HT Lifestyle that the link between pollution and mental distress is stronger than most people imagine. “The effects of toxic air on mental health are far more profound than people realise,” she said, explaining tha

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