What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
A person suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder may have symptoms of obsession and compulsion. These obsessions and compulsions may seriously interfere with daily life, causing anxiety and compromising a person's ability to operate properly. As a result, it reflects on all the aspects of life, such as school, work, or even personal relationships. OCD is a common, chronic, and long-standing disorder characterized by people behaving in an uncontrollable and recurring behavior that one feels the urge to do repeatedly.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder results from anxiety that causes symptoms, including fear of germs, aggressive thoughts towards self or others, or unwanted thoughts regarding sex and religion. A person with OCD feels the urge to do certain things in response to obsessive thoughts under compulsions, such as excessive washing and cleaning, organizing things in a certain way, repeatedly looking at things and compulsive counting.
What Is COVID 19?
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2). The virus spreads from an infected person’s mouth or nose when they cough or sneeze in small liquid particles. In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic (when an infectious disease spreads around the globe). The severity of COVID-19 symptoms ranged from mild to severe. One of the biggest global disasters in generations has caused countless deaths and loss of livelihood.
As the people coped with health, social, and economic impacts, mental health also was widely affected, with large numbers of people being reported with psychological distress, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress. Public health experts advised taking precautionary steps, such as hand washing, social distancing, and disinfecting things.
What Is the Prevalence of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Post COVID 19?
A recent study investigating the prevalence of OCD during the COVID-19 pandemic stated that OCD increased at a significantly higher rate than the pre-pandemic rate. OCD thrives on intolerance and the perceived need to prevent harm, especially contamination. So it was no surprise that some people struggled with the disorder during this stressful situation. Certain groups are affected more when compared to others, with fueled feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and loneliness. The pandemic made it even more difficult for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The pandemic has caused substantial changes in daily living, such as concerns about health, hygiene, and safety, which may contribute to the development or aggravation of OCD symptoms. It is to stress that patients with a previous history of disorders, such as anxiety, may have worsened symptoms. In addition, psychological factors and personal beliefs are related to public health action to curtail the transmission of the virus. Also, low social and mental support and a high perception of risk appear to be associated with psychological symptoms.
How COVID 19 Triggers OCD?
People with OCD compulsively do certain things with more anxiety and obsession than others. Similarly, when everyone around the world was urged to do much-needed safeguards like washing hands more thoroughly, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding touching their faces, people with OCD had a more triggered solution to their compulsive actions. They often fear that they have washed their hands one timeless or stood too close to someone who might be carrying the virus. These people often find it harder to tame their anxiety and compulsions, which may sometimes affect their health. The national lockdown also made people with OCD feel more stressed and difficult to cope with the symptoms. Some common fears exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic included;
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Fear of Contamination - One of the most challenging fears among people with OCD was to take measures to protect themselves from illness. It made them take extreme measures, like washing hands repeatedly, cleaning touched surfaces, or even being afraid to leave their homes. These people often remind their family members to wash their hands more frequently.
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Hoarding - Hoarding is considered a separate disorder, but people with OCD have often been seen to engage in hoarding. It involves collecting items, such as medicines, food, alcohol, hand sanitizers, and toilet paper in bulk with fear that they may not get out of stock with them.
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Searching for Information - The fear also triggers them to search for more information about the activity of the virus or its stay on certain surfaces. People with anxiety often feel the pressure to follow the rules perfectly.
How to Help People With OCD to Cope With COVID19 Related Anxiety?
Helping people cope and draw a line between public health concerns and their OCD is crucial. Some ways to relieve them amid this stress are
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To ensure them that COVID-19 only sometimes has serious complications.
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To support them in challenging times by making them feel they are doing their best.
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Follow guidelines from healthcare professionals as long as advised and take care not to overdo it.
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Guide them to limit hand washing to 20 seconds and wash only after going outside, eating, bathroom, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing the nose.
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Do not isolate oneself on the pretext of social distancing.
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Rely only on genuine sources for news and other information. Avoid stressful people and limit watching the news.
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Take time out to connect with family, read good books, listen to music, or engage in other activities that make one happy and relaxed.
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Guide them to practice self-care practices that enhance general mental health, such as following a routine, practicing methods of relaxation, and remaining in contact with friends and family.
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To take online support and teletherapy to help cope with OCD during a pandemic.
As the pandemic ends, the anxiety and preventive behavior of many with OCD may not. It will eventually be difficult for these individuals to adapt or return to normal activities. They have to be given a hundred percent assurance of safety.
Conclusion:
Fear of contamination may be justified, but a person with OCD may take extreme measures to protect themselves and their family. It is recommended to check with a therapist to help these people with their extreme behavior. Mindful meditation, breathing exercises, relaxation, and biofeedback can empower individuals to focus on their obsessive, compulsive thoughts and behaviors while engaging in more productive behavior.
