Istanbul Gelisim University - Anxiety for coronavirus causes repetition of behavior

Anxiety for coronavirus causes repetition of behavior

Saying that the coronavirus pandemic caused anxiety and obsession in many people, Specialist Psychologist Selin Kalabaş stated that the pandemic is more affected by obsessive people. Kalabaş spoke: “They would wash their hands for hours and take various precautions for both protecting themselves from the virus and the fear of infecting someone else. Anxiety and fear cause repetition of behavior in people.”

The coronavirus outbreak that affects the world threatens physical as well as mental health. Stating that people constantly wash hands and use disinfectants because the hygiene is the main actor in protection against viruses, Specialist Psychologist Lect. Selin Kalabaş from Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) said: “One of the negative effects of coronavirus is that it increases the occurrence of some psychiatric diseases.”

“LEADS TO THE DISEASE”

Specialist Psychologist Kalabaş stated that the most common condition is 'Obsessive Compulsive Disorder', that is, a kind of anxiety disorder, and said: “It is the situation that the person continues to keep a compelling behavior to get rid of unwanted and repeated thoughts or images. One knows that this is unreasonable, but repeats these behaviors in order to get rid of the uncomfortable bad feeling in them. Although their anxiety decreases in the short term after they perform the behavior, they drag themselves towards the disease in the long term.”

“THEY CAN TAKE UNFUNCTIONAL MEASURES”

Saying that those who think they are dirty and carry viruses repeat various cleaning behaviors, Kalabaş said: “They would wash their hands for hours and take various precautions for both protecting themselves from the virus and the fear of infecting someone else. Regardless of the behavior, obsessions on only thoughts can be seen, as well. To suppress these thoughts, a person can sit in front of the TV for hours or sleep too much. So, one can take dysfunctional measures to get rid of the thoughts that come to their mind.”

“THEY SHOULD TAKE SUPPORT”

Kalabaş continued her speech as follows:

“There can be the obsession with getting news about the disease and also being trapped before TV or/and on the Internet and trying to access all information including untrue information. Therefore, ones try to excessively control themselves and those around them to protect from the virus. Moreover, there are cases of suicide and aggression too. People suffering from this condition should definitely get support from a specialist.”