Trauma and Natural Disaster: The Case of Earthquakes in Greece

Abstract

In Greece, a seismogenic country, several studies have explored the psychopathological reactions among exposed populations. In this article, all research publications related to psychological and traumatic consequences of earthquakes on affected population samples in the cities of Athens, Thessaloniki, Kalamata, and Aegion over the last 40 years are reviewed. Significant magnitudes of prevalence in anxiety and depressive symptomatology levels were recorded in the studies under review. The majority of individuals were found also to have developed acute stress reactions and posttraumatic stress disorder. These subjects were more vulnerable due to previous psychopathology or because they have been exposed to serious material losses. A decrease in suicide attempts following the Athens earthquake of 1981 and an increase in the incidence of fatal health attack mortality were also observed. Some methodological and ethical issues were noted, such as the time pressure for the completion of surveys during the acute social disruption followed by limited psychological support.

Notes

^a Time of interviews is shown in parentheses.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Michael G. Madianos

Michael G. Madianos MD, MPH, DrMed, FEPA, is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Athens School of Health Sciences and past chairman of the Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences and Director of the University Community Mental Health Center of Zografou (2000–2008). He is President of the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation. He was served several times as a WHO advisor or consultant. He received his MD and Doctorate Degree from the University of Athens Medical School. He has done postgraduate studies in the United States, having obtained an MPH degree in Social and Community Psychiatry from Columbia University in New York. He developed the first CMHC in Greece in the boroughs of Kessariani with Byron (1979) as its director for twenty years.

Koukia Evi

Koukia Evi RN, Msc, Dr Nurs, is a lecturer in Psychiatric Nursing of the University of Athens School of Health Sciences Faculty of Nursing. She received her B.A from the Faculty of Nursing at Athens University. She has done postgraduate studies, obtaining her M.Sc and Doctorate Degree in nursing from Athens University. She has also received a license in Psychiatric Nursing. Areas of her research are the role of family in schizophrenia and crisis interventions in psychiatric nursing.