Following the Marmaris Earthquake: Can a panic attack be fatal?
Following the earthquake in Marmaris, the cause of death of a 14-year-old girl was reported as a “panic attack.” Prof. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that panic attacks are not fatal and warned the public against misinformation.
Recent reports of the death of a 14-year-old girl following an earthquake off the coast of Marmaris caused deep sorrow among the public. Some sources claimed the cause of death was a “panic attack,” prompting us to consult Prof. Nevzat Tarhan on the matter.
Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, evaluated the claim scientifically in a statement to Haber7.
PANIC ATTACKS ARE NOT FATAL
According to Prof. Tarhan, panic attacks are a psychological disorder and not classified as a fatal illness. Regarding the issue, he stated:
- “A panic attack is associated with hypersensitivity in certain regions of the brain.
- During an attack, the person may feel as though they are having a heart attack or losing their mind.
- This may be accompanied by palpitations, dizziness, and a feeling of losing control.
- However, in healthy individuals, panic attacks do not have permanent or fatal effects on the heart.
- To date, no cases of death directly caused by panic attacks have been reported in medical literature.”
EVENTS LIKE EARTHQUAKES CAN BE TRIGGERS
Noting that traumatic events can trigger panic attacks, Tarhan continued his remarks as follows:
- “Individuals under extreme stress may exhibit sudden reactions.
- The effects may be more severe in people with cardiac arrhythmia.
- However, this should be assessed not as a chronic panic disorder but as an ‘acute stress reaction.’”
MISINFORMATION CAN COMPLICATE TREATMENT
Prof. Tarhan also highlighted that misinformation about panic attacks can have serious consequences:
- “People experiencing panic attacks may feel they are in mortal danger.
- This can create a feedback loop that feeds the fear itself.
- Accurate information is crucial for both public awareness and the treatment process of individuals.”
CAUSE OF DEATH TO BE DETERMINED BY DETAILED AUTOPSY
While the cause of death of the 14-year-old girl remains a topic of public debate, experts caution against speculation. The true cause of death can only be determined through a thorough forensic investigation and autopsy.