(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), as obsessions that are sometimes experienced as if they are forced and unwanted, that cause significant anxiety or distress in most people, that are recurring and It is defined as persistent thoughts, impulses and images, and the person tries to ignore or suppress these thoughts, impulses or images, or attempts to neutralize them with another thought or action (compulsion). Compulsions are defined as repetitive behaviors (such as hand washing, arranging, checking) or mental acts that a person feels compelled to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be strictly followed. In short, obsessions are disturbing and excessive internal thoughts that are resisted but cannot be resisted. (Köroğlu, Ertuğrul 2014) Its difference from generalized anxiety is that obsessions are unlikely to occur and can even be ridiculous topics. (Türkçapar M. Hakan 2003) The frequently seen distressing situation (pollution, microbial environment, chemicals, radiation) is also valid for Corona virus. Numerous publications every day about the contamination, which is said to be lethal, not only increases anxiety but also increases obsessions and, as a result, neutralizing compulsions. How do the statements "Wash your hands this much", "Do not touch the door handles", "Do not touch the elevator keys", "Contact outside the contamination range" affect OCD patients?
Normal people also receive 3000-4000 positive and Negative thoughts come involuntarily. “Can anything pass through the toilet seat?”, “Did I forget the stove was on?”, “Will I hurt someone unintentionally?” People filter these thoughts and pass very few of them, and even if they pass, they do not apply obsessions and neutralizing compulsions because their level of importance is not high. But for various reasons, it becomes difficult to filter these thoughts, and if perfectionism and intolerance of uncertainty make this easier, it can create overloaded thoughts in the brain. Even though he knows it's ridiculous, he can engage in extremely compulsive pursuits. Such as washing hands for hours, washing vegetables and fruits, using excessive cleaning agents and disinfectants. However, the disease cannot be transmitted by washing hands for 20-25 seconds. � While it reduces by 99%, washing for 10 minutes reduces contamination by 99.8%. While the 0.8% difference is insignificant, it is very important for those with OCD. Because a small possibility (possibility of harm to oneself or one's relatives) is disturbing. Corona's 2.7% probability of killing can be considered as 100%. While it is easy for us to perceive Corona if we have a runny nose even if we do not see it, it may not be easy to understand the danger of dying because it is over-emphasized or even exaggerated.
As a result, it is important for people to receive real information during the COVID-19 process in order to avoid increasing their exaggerated thoughts and uncertainties. It is important that the information does not reflect the truth, as troublesome consequences may occur in some disorders. “It can be transmitted from things, but it doesn't. Is it necessary to wash food with vinegar or not?” Unstable situations such as these can cause a lot of anxiety. Even though interpretations can be made very easily, it is important that they are somewhat scientific, that is, made by scientists. Partly because we are just learning a lot in such an epidemic. I wish you to stay healthy.
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