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Mental health

Psychological Impact of 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes on Turkish Adults

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research into the effects of a devastating earthquake on Turkish adults reveals widespread psychological trauma, anxiety, and depression. The earthquakes, which struck in February 2023, caused significant destruction and loss of life, setting off a prolonged mental health crisis for survivors. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the psychological impact of the disaster on Turkish adults highlights the urgent need for sustained psychosocial interventions to mitigate psychiatric morbidity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The pooled prevalence of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Turkish adult survivors was 41% (95% CI: 32-52%) 18 months after the 2023 Kahramanmara earthquakes.
  • The study found that symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety remained high throughout the first year, with up to 40% screening positive for depression and 40-50% reporting moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms.
  • Significant risk factors for psychological morbidity included female gender, bereavement, home destruction, displacement, job loss, and low social support.
  • Resilience was found to be protective in some studies, although findings were inconsistent.
  • The study highlights the importance of integrating mental health support into disaster preparedness and long-term recovery efforts.
  • The research emphasizes the need for sustained, targeted psychosocial interventions to mitigate psychiatric morbidity in the aftermath of disasters.

Statistics:

  • Pooled prevalence of probable PTSD among Turkish adult survivors: 41% (95% CI: 32-52%).
  • Number of studies included in the meta-analysis: 8.
  • Total sample size: 5,965.
  • Number of participants screening positive for depression: up to 40%.
  • Number of participants reporting moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms: 40-50%.
  • Length of time after the earthquakes: 18 months.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings from Department of Psychology Update Understanding of Anxiety Disorders (Psychological Impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Ptsd, Depression, and Anxiety Among Turkish Adults). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. October 18, 2025; p 501.
  • Psychological Impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Ptsd, Depression, and Anxiety Among Turkish Adults. Frontiers in Public Health, 2025;13.
  • Metin Cinaroglu et al. (2025). Psychological Impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquakes: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Ptsd, Depression, and Anxiety Among Turkish Adults. Frontiers in Public Health, 13.

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