The Effectiveness of Acupuncture for the Treatment of PTSD in Patients Witnessing the 2023 Earthquake Disaster in Turkey: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, cause immediate devastation and long-term psychological effects on survivors [1-3]. In February 2023, the southeastern region of Turkey experienced a catastrophic earthquake that led to approximately 50,000 deaths, countless missing persons, and over 100,000 injuries across 11 of the 17 affected provinces. This disaster impacted at least 15 million people and damaged or destroyed 4 million buildings. Among the numerous challenges faced by survivors, the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has emerged as a critical concern [4].