A single session with an earthquake simulator for traumatic stress in earthquake survivors.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the effectiveness of a single session of earthquake simulator-assisted exposure treatment of traumatic stress in earthquake survivors.


METHODS
Ten earthquake survivors in Turkey were given one session of exposure to simulated earthquake tremors. Assessments were at pre- and postsession and at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks posttreatment.


RESULTS
All measures showed significant improvement at all assessments. Eight patients were markedly and two slightly improved at follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
A single exposure session with an earthquake simulator appears to be effective in treating postearthquake traumatic stress. Controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Başoğlu
Metin
M
Istanbul Center for Behavior Research and Therapy. m.basoglu@iop.kcl.ac.uk
Livanou
Maria
M
Salcioğlu
Ebru
E
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D004190:Disasters; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007171:Implosive Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008016:Life Change Events; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey