Natural disasters such as earthquakes leave behind not only physical destruction but also deep emotional and psychological scars. While rebuilding cities and homes garners immediate attention, the long-term psychological impacts on survivors often go unnoticed. This book, Psycho- pathology and Treatment After Earthquakes, seeks to address this critical gap by exploring the intricate relationships between traumatic events and their profound effects on mental health.

Bringing together contributions from esteemed researchers and clinicians, this work delves into topics such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and the complex interplay of substance use as a coping mechanism. Each chapter offers evidence-based insights and practi- cal strategies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of these issues for mental health professionals, disaster response teams, and policymakers alike.

The book also serves as a call to action-emphasizing the urgent need for integrating mental health care into disaster preparedness and recovery plans. We believe that providing psychological support is as vital as physical aid in the journey toward healing and resilience.

With the hope that this work will contribute to reducing the psychological toll of earthquakes, we dedicate it to the survivors, their families, and the professionals striving to make recovery possible.

Prof. Dr. Gökben Hızlı Sayar
Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry,
İstanbul, Türkiye

Assist. Prof. Dr. Metin Çınaroğlu
İstanbul Nişantaşı University Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology,
İstanbul, Türkiye