BackgroundPublished evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is conflicting. Most studies suggest an increase in the severity of OCD in people with pre-existing OCD, whereas some do not.AimGiven the conflicting evidence globally and lack of data from the Arab world, we aimed to explore the impact of the pandemic on obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adults with pre-existing OCD.MethodsA telephonic questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among adults with pre-existing OCD and specifically with fear of contamination and washing compulsions being major symptom dimensions of OCD. The severity of OCD during the pandemic was compared with their pre-pandemic scores. The severity of OCD was assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS).ResultsThose with the duration of diagnosis of OCD of<10 years showed a statistically significant increase in the mean YBOCS score of 5.54 from pre-pandemic to during pandemic, which was significant at p = 0.006. This significance was maintained across the Compulsive and Obsessive subsets of the scale.ConclusionAdults with pre-existing OCD with fear of contamination reported a statistically significant increase in severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms only if the duration of their OCD diagnosis was relatively shorter (<10 years). In the context of the conflicting evidence regarding the worsening of OCD symptoms due to the unique infection control measures of this pandemic, this study highlights the importance of the impact of the duration of the disorder and the subtype of the disorder. Such classification might help public health resources to be directed better at those most at risk and also help us understand the very nature of this disorder better.

Introduction Qatar established its Forensic Community Mental Health Team (FCMHT) in 2019 as part of the region’s first comprehensive forensic psychiatry service. We present here the data on clinical and offending outcomes since its establishment and compare this with data from before the service was established Objectives To compare clinical and offending outcomes in mental health patients with criminal offending histories in Qatar before and after the establishment of Forensic Community Mental Health Team (FCMHT). Methods This is a retrospective study comparing the socio-demographical characteristics, clinical outcome and recidivism measures of forensic patients, under the FCMHT for the last two years with data from a similar period before the services were in place. Results Data for 170 patients in total was analyzed. 85 patients currently under the active care of forensic community team were matched with a comparable group before the establishment of the services. The re-admission and reoffending rates after the establishment of the service over 1 year of follow up was 15% and 20% respectively compared with 60% and 85% of the group before the service. Conclusions Since its inception, the FCMHT has made significant positive impact on quality of life, mental well-being and safety of patients under its care. Close working relationships with criminal justice system, families and carers has helped fight stigma and promote safer community. Disclosure No significant relationships.