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. 2021 Jan:77:102329.
doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2020.102329. Epub 2020 Nov 5.

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

Lena Jelinek  1 , Steffen Moritz  2 , Franziska Miegel  2 , Ulrich Voderholzer  3
Affiliations

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

Lena Jelinek et al. J Anxiety Disord. 2021 Jan.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted global measures to prevent infection. Experts assume that it is particularly affecting people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), especially those with washing compulsions. Data, however, are currently lacking. 394 participants with OCD (n = 223 washers) participated in an online survey. Change in severity of OCD symptoms, reasons participants reported for the change (e.g., reduced mobility, reduced availability of cleaning products, economic factors, interpersonal conflicts), as well as participants' beliefs and experience associated with COVID-19 were assessed. 72 % of the participants reported an increase in OCD. This increase was significantly stronger in washers compared to non-washers. The worsening of symptoms was primarily associated with reduced mobility and interpersonal conflicts. Dysfunctional hygiene-related beliefs were significantly higher in washers than non-washers and were associated with greater symptom progression. Washers were more confident than non-washers about providing other people with helpful advice related to infection preventions. Washers, however, received more negative feedback from others in response to the advice they provided than non-washers. The majority of participants with OCD were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the negative effects were more pronounced in washers than in non-washers. Rapid interventions for OCD should be implemented to prevent long-term deterioration.

Keywords: COVID-19; Contamination fear; Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Pandemic; SARS-CoV-2.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Reported Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Obsessive-Compulsive Symptomatology for the Total Sample (n = 387), Washers (n = 220), and Non-Washers (n = 167).
Fig. A
Fig. A
Changes in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Reasons Given for the Changes in the Total Sample (N = 394), in Washers (n = 223), and in Non-Washers (n = 171).
Fig. B
Fig. B
Dysfunctional and Functional Beliefs Related to COVID-19 (n = 387) Rated on a 5-Point Likert Scale Ranging from 1 = Does not apply at all to 5 = Totally applies in the Total Sample (n = 387), in Washers (n = 220), and Non-Washers (n = 167).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Self-Competence Associated with COVID-19 Infection Preventions (n = 253).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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