EARTHQUAKE KNOWLEDGE UPDATE

EARTHQUAKE KNOWLEDGE UPDATEkapak

PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS AT PATIENTS AND MEDICAL STAFF

Muhammet Sancaktar1 Bahadır Demir2

1Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Gaziantep, Türkiye
2Gaziantep University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Gaziantep, Türkiye

Sancaktar M, Demir B. Psychological Effects at Patients and Medical Staff. In: Kalenderer Ö, Servet E, editors. Earthquake Knowledge Update. 1st ed. Ankara: Türkiye Klinikleri; 2025. p.223-230.

ABSTRACT

Due to their sudden and destructive nature, earthquakes leave significant psychological effects not only on individuals directly affected but also on groups providing rescue and care services, such as healthcare workers. The psychological consequences of earthquakes are not limited to individual traumas but also negatively impact the overall mental health of society.

Disasters create profound effects on mental health in addition to physical and economic losses. Unexpected disasters such as earthquakes can lead to psychiatric issues, including fear, helplessness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The traumatic experiences of earthquake victims are exacerbated by factors such as loss of housing, the death of loved ones, and financial losses. Research has shown that natural disasters trigger psychiatric disorders such as PTSD, major depressive disorder (MDD), and anxiety disorders. Additionally, individuals with lower socioeconomic status and lower levels of education are at higher risk for psychological problems following a disaster.

From the perspective of healthcare workers, earthquakes increase both physical and psychological burdens. Healthcare professionals providing services to earthquake victims face severely injured patients, endure intense work conditions, and must cope with their personal losses. This situation leads to a higher prevalence of psychological issues such as PTSD, burnout syndrome, depression, and anxiety among healthcare workers. Moreover, female healthcare workers, inexperienced staff, and those who personally experienced the earthquake are more affected by its psychological consequences.

Considering the long-term effects of earthquakes, the importance of post-disaster mental health support becomes evident. Regular psychological screenings, stress management training, and access to psychosocial support programs for healthcare workers in disaster areas are critical for preventing mental health disorders. Additionally, prioritizing the assignment of healthcare workers who have not directly experienced the earthquake could serve as a protective measure for mental well-being.

In conclusion, earthquakes are not merely disasters causing physical losses but also have long-term effects on mental health. Establishing psychological support mechanisms, particularly for earthquake victims and healthcare workers, plays a crucial role in the post-disaster recovery process.

Keywords: Earthquake; Trauma; Healthcare worker; Anxiety disorders; Major depression

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