Psychiatric Effects of Earthquakes on Children and Adolescents

Abstract

Earthquakes have a negative impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. This article aimed to review common psychiatric reactions in children and adolescents after earthquakes, common psychiatric disorders such as acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, grief, psychological first aid, child psychiatric consultation services during earthquakes, and preventive mental health approaches before earthquakes. In the first phase after an earthquake, children may experience normal acute stress reactions. Grief reactions due to loss of life may also be observed. Early psychological first aid is recommended for all child affected by an earthquake. The development of mental disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder in children with severe and prolonged acute stress reactions and in high-risk populations warrants attention and early intervention. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe psychiatric disorder which can have long-term negative consequences. Appropriate use of child psychiatric inpatient services may be beneficial. Delirium is an urgent neuropsychiatric condition which requires careful management in this patient group. To reduce the impact of earthquakes on children’s mental well-being, preventive mental health services should be strengthened.

Keywords

• earthquake
• natural disaster
• trauma
• child mental health
• consultation-liaison