Part of the incredible work of our mobile surgical unit in Jindires, Aleppo. Our team of medical professionals provides emergency consultations, general surgery, orthopedics, hospitalization, and pharmacy services to support the community affected by the earthquake. We are committed to ensuring every patient receives the care they need to improve their health and well-being.

The physical damage caused by an earthquake is often the most prominent and immediate concern; however, the psychological impact of such a disaster can be equally severe and long-lasting. In this article, we will explore the psychological effects of an earthquake on both young and old, its symptoms, and possible treatment methods.

Psychological Effects of Earthquakes

An earthquake is a traumatic event that can cause various psychological effects. These effects can vary depending on the quake’s severity, the proximity to the epicenter, and the individual’s age and psychological state. Some of the most common psychological effects of an earthquake include the following:

Anxiety and Fear: After experiencing an earthquake, it’s normal to feel anxious and fearful about the possibility of another earthquake.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD is a common psychological disorder that can occur after a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, and avoidance of places or situations that remind the individual of the earthquake.

Depression: Depression is another common psychological effect of an earthquake. Symptoms can include hopelessness, sadness, and a loss of interest in activities that the individual once enjoyed.

Sleep Disturbances: Earthquakes can disrupt an individual’s sleep, leading to insomnia or nightmares.

Psychological Effects on Children

Children are particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects of an earthquake. They may have difficulty understanding what happened and feel scared, confused, or anxious. Some of the common psychological effects on children include:

Separation Anxiety: Children may be afraid to separate from their parents or caregivers after an earthquake.

Nightmares: Children may experience nightmares or difficulty sleeping after an earthquake.

Regression: Some children may regress to earlier behaviors such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking.

Psychological Effects on the Elderly

The elderly may also be particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects of an earthquake. They may have difficulty coping with the trauma and stress of the event, which can exacerbate existing mental health conditions. Some common psychological effects on the elderly include:

Depression: The elderly may experience depression after an earthquake, which can exacerbate physical health conditions.

Increased Anxiety: The elderly may feel anxious or overwhelmed after an earthquake, increasing their risk of falls or other accidents.

Treatment Methods

Several treatment methods are available for individuals experiencing psychological effects after an earthquake. These can include:

Psychological First Aid: This involves providing emotional and practical support to individuals immediately after the earthquake.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help treat anxiety, depression, and PTSD. This therapy involves assisting individuals in changing their thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms.

Support Groups: Joining a support group can help individuals connect with others who have experienced similar trauma and provide a sense of community and belonging.

An earthquake can have a profound psychological impact on both young and old. It’s essential to be aware of the potential symptoms of trauma and seek appropriate treatment if necessary. Psychological first aid, cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and support groups can all help treat the psychological effects of an earthquake. With time and appropriate treatment, overcoming the trauma and rebuilding a sense of safety and security is possible.

The patient, Hassan Al-Hussein, 18 years old, visited the Martyr Dr. Mohammed Wassim Maaz Hospital , he was complaining of nephrolithiasis, after the clinical examination, LAB, and radiology tests, it was found that he suffers from third-degree right kidney Hydronephrosis caused by the presence of a staghorn calculus.
The treating surgeon decided to perform a surgical procedure for the patient to extract the stone and the implantation of a ureteral catheter. The operation was successful, as it will contribute to alleviating Hassan’s pain and suffering from nephrolithiasis.
It is worth noting that the Surgical Operations Department Martyr Dr. Mohammed Wassim Maaz Hospital is one of the most important surgical departments in the region’s hospitals in terms of the number of procedures that reach more than 900 on monthly basis distributed between minor and major procedures, and this department is characterized by qualitative and specialized operations, in addition to the presence of a distinguished medical staff capable of performing the most complex surgeries within the available resources.

The patient (N.S.), 30 years old, visited Martyr Dr. Muhammad Wassim Maaz Hospital with a complaint of pain in the left thigh that has been going on for a year and noted the presence of swelling that gradually increased, causing pain and difficulty in walking.

The attending physician, Dr. Zaher Al-Nisr, a specialist in vascular surgery, said: “Through investigations, superficial Ultrasonography, and CT scan, cysts were found in the left thigh, a large cyst containing small cysts inside, and by completing the necessary investigations and diagnostic laboratories, a diagnosis of multiple hydatid cysts in the left thigh was established.”
The attending physician conducted a surgical intervention for the patient, and during the operation, it was found that there were a huge number of cysts of different sizes, all of them were emptied with the application of special measures during the surgical intervention to ensure that they will not form again.
The attending physician adds that this case is one of the unique cases of hydatidiform cysts and it is rare to find it in the extremities because it is common for these cysts to be located in the liver, chest, and brain usually.
It is worth mentioning that the Surgical Department at the Martyr Dr. Muhammad Wassim Maaz Hospital is one of the most important vital departments and includes 9 operating rooms, with various medical specialties, which provide approximately 850 surgical procedures per month under the supervision of a group of specialized doctors in northern Syria.