The devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria: Post-traumatic stress disorder and mental health issues among the victims

Int J Health Plann Manage. 2023 Jul;38(4):1080-1083. doi: 10.1002/hpm.3644. Epub 2023 Apr 13.

Abstract

Natural catastrophes like earthquakes have the potential to be fatal by claiming lives and harming infrastructure, the environment, and mental health. Victims may experience symptoms such as anxiety, despondency, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria caused enormous destruction and a high number of fatalities, which is growing by the day. The past examples of earthquakes in China, South Asia, and Turkey imply that there is a possibility that the victims may feel isolated and under psychological stress. Our article outlines the high strategies to minimise the risk of mental health problems among victims of Turkey and Syria.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Disasters*
  • Earthquakes*
  • Humans
  • Mental Health
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / epidemiology
  • Survivors / psychology
  • Syria / epidemiology
  • Turkey / epidemiology