Psychological consequences of earthquake traumatized children and adolescents in Yushu

This review dives into the ramifications of the Yushu earthquake on adolescents, exploring their vulnerability to psychological distress. The Yushu earthquake, also known as the 2010 Earthquake, was a devastating event that struck Yushu, Qinghai Province, China, on April 14. This earthquake had a magnitude of 6.9 and caused widespread destruction in the region. This earthquake serves as a catalyst for deeper explorations into the psychological outcomes of adolescents. In the review, psychological effects were pronounced, with studies revealing the prevalence of anxiety and PTSD within adolescents as an urgent matter. Biological insights into the hypothalamic pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA), hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex provide a scientific understanding of this issue. This review also discovers educational challenges faced by the Yushu earthquake survivors, as schools were severely damaged, disrupting learning routines and affecting adolescents’ daily lives. While substantial, government recovery efforts encountered challenges due to the isolation of Yushu County and the limited resources available to aid survivors. Furthermore, this report features survivors’ testimonies, highlighting the urgent need for physical and psychological support. The Yushu earthquake serves as a reminder of the importance of comprehensive disaster recovery strategies, addressing both immediate physical support and long-term psychological well-being therapy.