Obsessive-compulsive disorder during COVID-19: Turning a problem into an opportunity?

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic introduced global infection prevention measures.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is hypothesized to be exacerbated by the pandemic, particularly in individuals with washing compulsions.
• Empirical data on the pandemic's impact on OCD symptoms were limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the severity of OCD symptoms.
• To identify factors contributing to symptom changes in individuals with OCD.
• To compare the effects on individuals with and without washing compulsions.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 394 participants diagnosed with OCD (223 with washing compulsions).
• Data collected included changes in OCD symptom severity, reported reasons for changes, and beliefs/experiences related to COVID-19.
• Statistical analyses compared symptom progression between washers and non-washers.

Main Results:

• 72% of participants reported an increase in OCD symptom severity.
• Symptom worsening was significantly greater in washers compared to non-washers.
• Reduced mobility and interpersonal conflicts were primary drivers of symptom increase; dysfunctional hygiene beliefs correlated with greater progression.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the majority of individuals with OCD, with washers experiencing more pronounced effects.
• Interpersonal conflicts and reduced mobility significantly contributed to symptom exacerbation.
• Urgent interventions are needed to mitigate long-term deterioration of OCD symptoms.