Üsküdar Üniversitesi Founding Rector, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan was a guest on Akit TV’s Kırmızı Masa program. Tarhan, who made striking evaluations regarding the agenda, touched upon the consequences of the pandemic process. Tarhan stated; “After the pandemic, a significant increase in major depression and anxiety disorders was observed. According to the results of a global study, these diseases are observed more frequently in women and young people. Also, during this period, while obsessive-compulsive disorders had stabilized, their balance was suddenly disrupted by changes in their lives. In its statement regarding the global increase in psychological illnesses, the World Health Organization announced that a post-pandemic psychiatric illness pandemic would be experienced.”
“An Increase in Alzheimer's Cases Was Experienced After the Pandemic”
Stating that significant increases in psychological illnesses such as depression have been observed after the pandemic, Tarhan drew attention to the World Health Organization's prediction that post-pandemic psychiatric illnesses would increase. Tarhan stated; “After the pandemic, a significant increase in major depression and anxiety disorders was observed. According to the results of a global study, these diseases are observed more frequently in women and young people. We, too, are aware of the increase in these diseases in our hospital. All age groups were negatively affected by the pandemic process. The restrictions imposed especially on the elderly caused great trauma. These people were isolated from society and confined to their homes. Many elderly people had to change their living place and move to rural areas. Because these individuals were aware that they could not take part in society. In this age group, a significant increase in Alzheimer's cases was experienced, especially after the pandemic. It is particularly noteworthy that people who had not used antidepressants until the age of 70 started using them during this period. Again, during this period, while obsessive-compulsive disorders had stabilized, their balance was suddenly disrupted by changes in their lives. In its statement regarding the global increase in psychological illnesses, the World Health Organization announced that a post-pandemic psychiatric illness pandemic would be experienced. As physicians providing services in the field, we are also aware of the symptoms of a psychological illness pandemic.”
“The Pandemic Crisis Could Not Be Managed Correctly”
Stating that the pandemic crisis could not be managed correctly, Tarhan reported that an atmosphere of fear was created under the guise of informing the public throughout the process. Tarhan said; “During the pandemic, as a society, we went to sleep with Covid-19 and woke up with Covid-19. Crisis management is not like this. In crisis management, a committee focused on resolving the crisis is formed, and other people in society continue to do their jobs. However, during the pandemic crisis, we witnessed an environment of fear being created on TV under the guise of informing the public. In crisis situations, those managing the crisis should state that they are working to resolve the process as soon as possible, that the situation is under control, and advise everyone to continue their routine tasks. One of the first mistakes made during the pandemic was the absence of a psychiatrist expert on the scientific committee.”
“Opposing the Vaccine is Opposing Mathematics”
Stating that Turkey is one of the lucky countries in the world in terms of vaccine access, Tarhan said that those who oppose the vaccine are opposing mathematics. Tarhan stated; “Compared to many countries in the world, we are very lucky in terms of vaccine access. While the state provides the vaccine to its people free of charge, opposing the vaccine can be seen as opposing mathematics. Many of our colleagues passed away because they were unvaccinated. Of course, there were also those who had the vaccine and experienced various problems, but when looking at the rates, the problems experienced by those who were vaccinated have been determined to be at a rate of 1/10. In such risky situations, probability calculations are made. For example, if you don't leave home because there's a chance of getting into a traffic accident when you go out, you make the mistake of doing nothing. In other words, not being vaccinated carries a much greater risk than the risk associated with being vaccinated. In such a situation, you cannot force individuals to get vaccinated from a human rights perspective. However, we see that those who have doubts about the vaccine do not benefit from any scientific data. These people have no scientific knowledge in the field of infectious diseases. Those who pontificate on TV act only on assumptions. However, in such a serious matter, it is necessary to inform people in a proven way by referring to research.”
“According to the Risk – Benefit Ratio, the Benefits of Vaccination Outweigh Its Harms”
Stating that the benefit ratio of the vaccine was high when a risk-benefit analysis was performed, Tarhan noted that people do not understand this situation without experiencing Covid-19 themselves. Tarhan said; “In a scientific perspective, there is mathematical modeling and calculation. Diseases also have risk-benefit ratios. Whichever option yields a higher benefit ratio, that treatment is applied. When looking at the vaccine's risk-benefit ratio, the benefit ratio is significantly higher with a considerable difference between benefit and harm. For those who are against the vaccine in Covid-19 treatment, I recommend visiting intensive care units; the facts are very clearly revealed there. At this point, I think we should be grateful that the vaccine has been found. For example, if a loved one of yours is suffering from Covid-19, would you not take them to the hospital by saying 'I don't believe in this disease'? Some people cannot grasp the seriousness of the situation without seeing it with their own eyes or experiencing it themselves.”
“Most Anti-Vaxxers are Undecided”
Stating that there are anti-vaxxers in every society, Tarhan conveyed that most anti-vaxxers are undecided. Tarhan said; “There are 3 types of anti-vaxxers: The undecided, those in fear, and paranoids. Paranoids make up 3 to 5 percent of every segment of society. These individuals believe in conspiracy theories and see their own truths as the sole and unchangeable truth. Since vaccine hesitancy is very much on the agenda, as Üsküdar Üniversitesi, we researched vaccine hesitancy in Turkey. According to the research conducted by our Sociology Department, anti-vaxxers accounted for 20 percent. This research was conducted approximately one year ago. I estimate that this rate has decreased with the cases observed during this period. Most anti-vaxxers are undecided. According to the current situation, everyone in the world will contract Covid-19. Therefore, a decision needs to be made between the risk of the vaccine and the risk of contracting Covid-19.”
“Covid – 19 Causes Damage to the Body”
Stating that doctors who oppose vaccination are not infectious disease specialists, Tarhan expressed that experiencing Covid-19 leaves many worse effects on the body compared to being vaccinated. Tarhan said; “I am skeptical about unvaccinated individuals being treated in hospitals. While doctors risk themselves so much, why should they endanger their lives for those who don't trust the vaccine and are sick? Of course, I'm not saying this so that people shouldn't be treated, I'm only saying it to encourage vaccination. Here, we will act according to the experts. None of the anti-vaccine doctors are specialists in this field. As a doctor, I cannot say anything about infection; it's not my right. It will be revealed more clearly in the future, but we may need to get vaccinated every year. After influenza, or the flu, emerged in the 1920s, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases increased. Various infections are observed in those who contract Covid-19, it leaves many damages in the body, and causes chronic diseases. From this perspective, the risk of experiencing Covid-19 is a much greater risk. Currently, according to the available data, the probability of being beneficial is much higher than the probability of being unbeneficial, which is why vaccination is recommended.”