A single session with an earthquake simulator for traumatic stress in earthquake survivors.

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a single session of earthquake simulator-assisted exposure treatment of traumatic stress in earthquake survivors. 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. All measures showed significant improvement at all assessments. Eight patients were markedly and two slightly improved at follow-up. 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.