Pilot Survey of Psychological Cases at Different Shelter Camps in Earthquake Affected Panga, Kirtipur

Pilot Survey of Psychological Cases at Different Shelter Camps in Earthquake Affected Ward No 9, 10, 12 of Panga, Kirtipur: A Summary 

Along with Local Facilitator and Volunteer- Community for Disaster Management, Panga, Yogesh Maharjan, we visited ward number 9, 10, 12 of Kirtipur for preliminary survey, counselling and psychosocial support. Out of around 225 household affected by earthquake (many injured, 16 death and significant loss of properties, many houses were reported to be uninhabitable due to April 25, 2015 mega earthquake in Nepal) in that community many older women, adult women and few males were found at the psychological priority for PTSD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder and other neurotic and somatoform disorders. PTSD cases showed co-morbidity with specific phobias of closed spaces, acrophobia, etc. 

Cases were also observed with victim exhibiting trance like state and not particularly delirium. The tremor and sound of earthquake had been particularly traumatic to most of the shelter inhabitants. They also accepted that it was able to evoke irrational fear in them. Even those families whose house has not be damaged and destroyed, have been living in the shelter homes since April 25 earthquake. 

No any case regarding delirium was reported in that preliminary survey.

During the observation 6 cases were randomly self selected in 4 shelter camps in ward number 9, 10, 12; were interviewed for case study and eventually diagnosed. They were also briefly or in group counseled, based on their psychological priority. Two of the clients came on their own way for counselling and case studies were also taken from them for any abnormalities. None of the patients were recommended to psychiatric evaluation and psychotropic treatment.

As the preliminary survey was carried during the day time, most victims of psychological priority were found of the ages 50+. Working adults were literally not present but there were high number of elderly, housewives and their children.

Apart, group discussion and interaction was initiated in each shelter camps. Inhabitant were recommended for home remedy as Ashwagandha, foot Massage, yog and meditation, support group and paired counselling sessions in order to alleviate the psychological sufferings of the trauma brought about by the earthquake. 

An integrative community based psychosocial intervention is required to deal with the trauma and other effects on the aftermath of the earthquake. On contrary if due steps not taken, the present psychological state of the community may worsen.

P.S: The Sociology behind Psychiatric Illness can be:

Ø  Low Socioeconomic Status

Ø  Unemployment, Poor Education

Ø  Family Conflict, Poor Upbringing

Ø  Current catastrophic events.