Objective: It was aimed to determine sociodemographic characteristics and anxiety complaints of individuals admitted with psychiatric complaints after an earthquake in Elazığ province, and to investigate the factors affecting anxiety levels.

Materials and Methods: Individuals who begun to seek psychiatric help following the earthquake and fulfilled the following criteria were included: age >17 years; literacy; and absence of mental retardation or psychotic disorder. A sociodemographic data collection form, the Traumatic Life Events Questionnaire, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were applied.

Results: The mean age of the participants (n=101) was 39.2±17.3 years, and 67.3% of the participants were females. Damage to home and loss of a relative were in question in 55.4% and 12.9% of the participants, respectively. A previous traumatic experience and a history of psychiatric treatment were present in 31.6% and 9.9% of the participants, respectively. The most common previous traumatic events were earthquake/flood and similar natural disasters, with a rate of 27.8%. The mean Beck Anxiety Inventory score was 19.29±12.38. The most common complaint was the fear of something bad happening in the future (73.3%). The mean Beck Anxiety Inventory score was higher in females as compared to males, and in individuals with a previous history of trauma as compared to those without. The frequency of anxiety complaints and relevant scores were higher in females, and in individuals with a history of trauma.

Conclusion: Focusing on women and individuals with a previous traumatic experience at the first step after a traumatic event, might enhance the effect of health care provided.