What happens to a person with OCD post-Covid? | Economic Times

The coronavirus pandemic has been a stressful time for everyone. But for some, the virus and the uncertainty of the future have had a huge psychological impact, especially for those who have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder — or OCD.“We are seeing so many people fearful of the virus,” says Pune-based clinical psychotherapist Radhika Bapat. “If you are suffering from OCD and are not being treated for it, it becomes particularly difficult.”Increased compulsionsAccording to Dr Kersi Chavda, consultant psychiatrist, PD Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, those who have OCD about hygiene show an increase in handwashing, cleaning and checking things. “What initially was considered to be a ‘safe’ practice takes on an exaggerated hue,” he says, sharing the example of a 22-year-old patient.“M is a 22-year-old tax consultant who works from home. He originally had mild obsessive traits — checking account balances twice and seeing that the door was locked a few times before going to bed. When the lockdown occurred, he went into a paroxysm of anxiety, started washing his hands 20 times a day, sanitising everything he touched and refusing to allow any family member to leave the house. He had problems with sleep and appetite, and often found himself palpitating,” Chavda shares.Taking it in their strideHowever, this is not true of all those who suffer from OCD. The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, spoke to about 240 patients associated with their OCD clinic and found that most patients weren’t affected by corona fears.“We expected them to be more vigilant and wash and clean and avoid public spaces, but that has not happened, at least in the short-term. About eight per cent [out of 240] showed a relapse of OCD. However, most of these were not related to Covid-19 fears,” says Dr YC Janardhan Reddy of NIMHANS.Bapat believes that patients who have been undergoing therapy for their OCD are better prepared to handle the uncertainty that comes with Covid-19. “They already have the skill sets to manage the lack of control over their thoughts and worries. Additionally, tele-health options are available to assist them,” she says.75442927