Browsing by Author "Ahlatcioglu, Esra Noyan"

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Efficacy of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Muscle Dysmorphia Symptoms Among Turkish Gym Goers: A Pilot Study
(Elsevier, 2024) Cinaroglu, Metin; Yilmazer, Eda; Ulker, Selami Varol; Ahlatcioglu, Esra Noyan; Sayar, Gokben Hizli
Muscle dysmorphia (MD) is a disorder marked by an obsessive focus on muscularity, often leading to excessive exercise, rigid dieting, and use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). While Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is known to be effective for various body image disorders, its specific effects on individuals with MD have been less studied. This qualitative case series involved seven male participants, aged 35-55, all diagnosed with MD and with a history of anabolic steroid use, undergoing a 12-week manualized CBT intervention. The study aimed to explore how CBT impacts their body image perceptions, exercise behaviors, steroid use, and emotional responses. Data were collected through participant feedback during therapy sessions, with thematic analysis revealing significant shifts in body image perception and reductions in compulsive behaviors and steroid use. Despite these improvements, participants experienced feelings of loss and anxiety as they modified their routines, and some reported relapses under stress, indicating the chronic nature of MD. The findings suggest that CBT effectively reshapes cognitive and behavioral patterns in MD sufferers but also highlight the need for ongoing support to manage the disorder's emotional complexities and prevent relapses. Future research should focus on long-term and individualized therapeutic approaches to better support those with muscle dysmorphia.
Psychological Impact of the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety Among Turkish Adults
(Frontiers Media SA, 2025) Cinaroglu, Metin; Yilmazer, Eda; Ahlatcioglu, Esra Noyan; Ulker, Selami Varol; Sayar, Gokben Hizli
Background The twin earthquakes that struck Kahramanmara & scedil;, T & uuml;rkiye, on February 6, 2023, caused widespread devastation and loss of life. Beyond the physical destruction, such large-scale disasters often result in significant psychological trauma. This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed the prevalence and severity of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety among adult Turkish survivors during the first 18 months post-disaster. Methods Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a systematic search of Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted for peer-reviewed studies published between February 6, 2023, and May 30, 2025. Eligible studies included quantitative assessments of PTSD, depression, or anxiety using validated Turkish-language scales, with general adult population samples (N >= 370). Eight studies (N = 5,965) met inclusion criteria. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for studies reporting prevalence of probable PTSD, while depression and anxiety outcomes were synthesized descriptively due to limited and heterogeneous data. Risk factors for psychological morbidity were also extracted and analyzed. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42025644127). Results The pooled prevalence of probable PTSD was 41% (95% CI: 32-52%). Reported PTSD rates ranged from 29 to 54%, and symptom severity remained high throughout the first year. Depression and anxiety were also widespread, with up to 40% screening positive for depression and 40-50% reporting moderate-to-severe anxiety symptoms. Comorbidity between PTSD, depression, and anxiety was common. Significant risk factors included female gender, bereavement, home destruction, displacement, job loss, and low social support. Resilience was protective in some studies, though findings were inconsistent. Conclusion Eighteen months after the 2023 Kahramanmara & scedil; earthquakes, Turkish adult survivors continued to experience high levels of probable PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These findings highlight a prolonged mental health crisis and underscore the urgent need for sustained, targeted psychosocial interventions. Integrating mental health support into disaster preparedness and long-term recovery efforts is essential for mitigating psychiatric morbidity in future disasters.Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD42025644127.