Local psychologist says uncertainty drives virus fears

ELYRIA — Uncertainty and the expanse of misinformation available are driving many people's extreme reactions to the coronavirus outbreak, said Diana Santantonio, local psychologist and owner of Psych and Psych Services in Elyria. "I think in general, people tend to react either by minimizing things or they swing the other way and tend to catastrophize and overreact," Santantonio said. One of the ways these overreactions can manifest, she said, is by hoarding supplies including toilet paper and hand sanitizer. "I think the hoarding is one way of overreacting by trying to feel like, 'I want to protect myself and feel in control in some fashion,' even if it is misguided," she said. "I think in this case it's misguided because you can't really make intelligent decisions unless you have the information, facts and science." She is worried the mass purchase of toilet paper and other supplies "compromises the well being of the entire community" by preventing access for people who need them most. Consistent, scientifically accurate information should be coming from the highest levels of government, Santantonio said. That could prevent the more extreme responses, she added, although she said she believes the administration is "just starting to take it seriously." "Emotionally and psychologically, you don't want people driven by fear," she said. "You want people driven by good decision making based on sound info." Fears over the spread of coronavirus have reached psychologists' offices. Santantonio sees up to eight patients on any given day, and she estimated 80 percent of them have been "anxious and concerned and uncertain" about the outbreak. A concern for psychologists is that if any of their patients are isolated or quarantined at home due to virus spread, they won't be able to come to the office and receive treatment for their psychological issue. Currently, Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances do not pay for therapy sessions conducted over the phone, Santantonio said, but she has been in contact with the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services advocating for a solution. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.