The ‘Phantom Earthquake Syndrome’ (PES), a persistent feeling of vibration, dizziness or loss of balance despite no actual earthquake occurring, is affecting more and more people in Turkey, experts warn: not only among those living in seismic zones, but also among those living far from active tectonic faults. It is a condition that causes a constant state of fear and alarm among the affected population, resulting in psychological fatigue, increased stress and sleep disorders, among other consequences.
The ailment has become particularly common in the Sındırgı district in the northwestern province of Balıkesir, where a seismic swarm that intrigues scientists has so far caused 16,000 earthquakes in the past three months. However, experts stress that it is not a problem limited to this area: citizens across the country interpret any slightest vibration as an earthquake, and anxiously follow alerts on social media and seismic monitoring apps in near real-time.
“People feel dizziness and balance problems, even without an earthquake“
Dr Burak Amil, a Turkish psychiatrist at the Erenköy Mental and Nervous Diseases Training and Research Hospital, explained in statements to the Anatolia news agency that “phantom earthquake syndrome” is a relatively recent concept on which clinical studies are already being developed. When a real earthquake occurs, he said, “there is a sensation of movement on the ground; people feel dizziness and balance problems, and when this happens even without an earthquake, accompanied by anxiety, worry and a state of alertness as if an earthquake is occurring, we call it a ‘phantom earthquake’ “.
Amil pointed out that psychogenic factors as well as certain neurophysiological and neurochemical changes influence its occurrence: “When we experience an earthquake, certain changes may occur in neurochemical structures in the brain. There may also be physiological alterations in the balance centres. As a result, we can remember the sensation and relive it as if it was happening again”.
“Because of this, individuals experience a state of alertness. As a result, the body prepares itself to react quickly when an earthquake occurs. In fact, in these phantom earthquake situations, the person feels this state of alertness. He or she tries to react quickly as if an earthquake is about to occur. Therefore, we can call this a rapid reaction response to an earthquake,” the specialist explained.
The condition is aggravated in people with anxiety or panic disorders
The psychiatrist also highlighted the close relationship between the ‘phantom earthquake’ feeling and anxiety, panic disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder: “Those who are diagnosed with disorders such as generalised anxiety, panic or acute stress responses, whether or not they are experiencing earthquake-related situations, may experience sudden increases in anxiety, panic attacks and even physical symptoms. In other words, the situations that can generate these ‘phantom earthquakes’ and similar situations, occur more frequently in these people.
Amil noted that taking basic earthquake preparedness measures – from checking home safety to knowing where to meet or preparing an emergency kit – as well as practising relaxation exercises, can help alleviate these symptoms: “Sometimes people may have doubts about whether their homes are safe from earthquakes or lack information about designated safety zones. They may also have doubts about preparing an emergency kit or having quick access to essential items if they have to evacuate their home. This is why it is important to complete the preparedness phases first,” he said.
“This can reduce anxiety and the feeling of a phantom earthquake. Breathing exercises can also help in this regard. If there is a diagnosis of anxiety disorder, we can also treat our patients and users with medication and medical support,” he added.
Breathing and relaxation techniques help combat symptoms
Clinical psychologist Emine Akın Aytop, from NP Istanbul Hospital, emphasised that the perception of a ‘phantom earthquake’ is common in those who have experienced severe earthquakes, have been trapped under rubble or reside in areas of high seismic risk.
Aytop further explained that constant exposure to social media content and app notifications, especially among people with high levels of anxiety, increases fear: “When people are constantly receiving news and alerts, their fear of an earthquake is triggered. What we call earthquake phobia involves intense anxiety about the idea that ‘there will be an earthquake and something will happen to me or my loved ones’, accompanied by various psychological, emotional and physical symptoms”. This fear, she explained, can trigger the perception of the phantom earthquake or prolong an existing one.
The psychologist recommends simple balance exercises, gentle walking and breathing and relaxation techniques that activate the parasympathetic nervous system and stop negative thoughts about the future. One example she gives is the use of the 4-7-8 technique: inhale through the nose for 4 seconds, hold the air for 7 seconds, and exhale slowly for 8 seconds. According to Aytop, although in many cases and with the help of such techniques the perception of a ‘phantom earthquake’ diminishes over time, and may even disappear completely, if it persists over time – and even intensifies – the best solution is to seek professional help.
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Edited and reviewed by:
Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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