Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Brain Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Asst. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Semra Baripoğlu emphasized that the Covid-19 pandemic is effective throughout the society and the process causes an increase in anxiety.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused different psychological effects in every segment of society. Stating that this process causes different effects for those who had mental and psychiatric problems before the pandemic, experts emphasize that the Covid-19 outbreak increases anxiety and points to the importance of taking precautions under all circumstances and keeping hope high.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Psychiatry Specialist Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Semra Baripoğlu emphasized that the Covid-19 pandemic is effective throughout the society and the process causes an increase in anxiety.
There is an increase in anxiety and fears
Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Semra Baripoğlu stated that when they looked clinically in individuals with problems such as anxiety, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder- OCD, panic before Covid-19, they saw an aggravation with the effect of the pandemic and said the following:
"We observe an increase in the fear of getting sick again with Covid-19, especially health-related anxiety, what we call health anxiety, in those who have anxiety disorders in the past. We observed that the fear of infecting themselves or their relatives at home, sleep disorders, palpitations, and all other symptoms of anxiety disorder increased. We saw that panic attacks recurred in individuals who had been diagnosed with panic disorder in the past. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), popularly known as obsessive disorder, manifested itself again with excessive mental effort and excessive cleaning behaviors, hours of cleaning efforts about themselves or the home environment, especially in individuals who were worried about cleaning and disease transmission."
Hospitals were avoided
Stating that during the pandemic process, hospitals were avoided for those with psychiatric and other health problems, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Semra Baripoğlu said, "We saw that the patients who came to our hospital during the normalization process did not go to any health institution during the intense pandemic period when we were closed to homes. Even those with serious general health problems such as blood pressure and heart problems avoided going to the hospital for fear of being infected with Covid. However, both private and public hospitals announced the measures taken and what to do. Health follow-up should definitely continue by taking these warnings into consideration."
Online treatment brought convenience during the pandemic
Pointing out that some individuals who had psychiatric problems in the past had an exacerbation with the pandemic process, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Semra Baripoğlu; "The convenience in this period in terms of psychiatry was the opportunities brought by technology. Online remote interviews via computer, which were not accepted by the relevant authorities in the past, have been implemented. Patients under follow-up benefited from this method. We even had to implement drug regulation in this period, and we have seen its benefits. It is very important to use these opportunities in order not to be left without treatment, and this is the most important point to pay attention to."
Covid should not be kept at the center of life
Pointing out the points that people with psychiatric disorders and their families should pay attention to while the pandemic process continues, Assist. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Semra Baripoğlu said the following:
"The thing to do in this period of uncertainty will be to take personal precautions in the best and most accurate way in order not to catch the disease. Hand washing, using masks, following physical distance rules will protect both ourselves and those around us. This pandemic should no longer be at the center of life. Instead of constantly thinking about this disease and constantly watching the news on this subject, one can look at the developments in certain periods. If there is a physician they follow, they can consult that physician about the issues they are curious about. It is very important to keep hope strong and keep the spirit of solidarity alive. There may be family members and friends affected by the pandemic, and it is very important to show financial and moral solidarity with them. This also makes you feel good. It is also important for each individual to take care of their general health. It is necessary to maintain a healthy diet and sleep patterns, and to make sure to benefit from daylight. Of course, we are all human beings and there is a limit to what we can do. All healthcare professionals and the authorities of our state are working and fighting against this disease. It would be the most positive attitude for our people to know this and keep hope high for the future."
