Reactions of psychiatric patients to an earthquake in Egypt

ABSTRACT

Ninety two psychiatric patients of different diagnoses and 104 normal controls were studied in the aftermath of an earthquake in Egypt [1-15 days after the event], using a semi-structured questionnaire. There was no significant association between diagnostic category and affective and behavioral reactions durng the earthquake. There was a significant association between diagnosis and concerns during the earthquake, with schizophrenics less frequently concerned for important others. Few patients expected the earthquake to have an impact on their illness. Religious thoughts were strongly present at this time of severe stress