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Does a non-destructive earthquake cause posttraumatic stress disorder? A cross-sectional study
Cem Gökçen1, Mine Sahingöz, Bilge Burçak Annagür
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey. drcem78@hotmail.com
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|November 28, 2012
Summary
A study on adolescent earthquake survivors found that over half experienced symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma-related fears and social avoidance were the most common indicators in this Turkish student population.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Disaster Mental Health
Background:
- Adolescents are vulnerable to psychological distress following natural disasters.
- Earthquakes, even moderate ones, can trigger significant mental health challenges.
- Understanding the prevalence and nature of PTSD in young survivors is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and types of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms in adolescents exposed to a moderate earthquake.
- To identify common PTSD symptoms experienced by adolescent survivors in Konya, Turkey.
- To provide data for developing support strategies for youth affected by natural disasters.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 450 students (ages 12-14) from Konya, Turkey, 6 months post-earthquake.
- Simple random sampling was used to select participants from secondary schools.
- The Child Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index was administered to evaluate PTSD symptoms.
Main Results:
- A significant portion of adolescents exhibited PTSD symptoms: 3.5% very severe, 20.8% severe, 28.4% moderate, and 20% mild.
- 24.3% of students met criteria for probable PTSD diagnoses.
- Common symptoms included trauma-related fears, social avoidance, emotional detachment, and concentration difficulties.
Conclusions:
- Moderate earthquakes can lead to a substantial prevalence of PTSD symptoms in adolescents.
- Trauma-related fears and avoidance behaviors are key indicators of distress in this population.
- Findings highlight the need for mental health support and further research on adolescent PTSD after natural disasters.
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