OCD in the time of COVID-19: A global pandemic's impact on mental health patients and their treatment providers

Individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have evidenced resilience against large-scale crises, although emerging research on the impact of COVID-19 is mixed. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on mental health providers. Items from an instrument evaluating the impact of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack were adapted to measure the impact of COVID-19 on emotions, cognitions, and behaviors. Using a sample of 65 patients with primary OCD diagnoses and OCD treatment providers in intensive programs for OCD and anxiety, the authors found that COVID-19 evidenced a less significant overall impact on patients than providers. Specifically, providers reported more significant impact on the amount of time spent worrying about COVID-19, taking additional cleaning and sanitization precautions, and time spent socializing with loved ones. Findings support previous literature indicating that individuals with OCD demonstrate resilience to large-scale crises, and offer insights into the specific struggles of providers who treat OCD.

Automated summary

This study found that COVID-19 had a less significant overall impact on patients with OCD compared to mental health providers. Providers reported more significant impact on worrying time about COVID-19, additional cleaning and sanitization precautions, and time spent socializing with loved ones. The findings support previous literature on the resilience of individuals with OCD and provide insights into the specific struggles faced by providers treating OCD.