COVID-19 and OCD: Potential impact of exposure and response prevention therapy

Abstract

Highlights Some have suggested that ERP therapy for contamination OCD be paused during COVID-19. Discussion of how to modify but still provide robust ERP during COVID-19 is provided. ERP modified to follow public health guidelines is critical for treating OCD.

Obsessive compulsive symptoms severity among children and adolescents during COVID-19 first wave in Israel‏

“…Several studies were conducted among adults with OCD during the COVID-19 period ( Banerjee, 2020 ; Benatti et al, 2020 ; Davide et al, 2020a ; French & Lyne, 2020 ; Kumar & Somani, 2020 ; Sharma et al, 2020 ; Sheu et al, 2020 ). Sharma et al ( Sharma et al, 2020 ) assessed adults with OCD two months after the COVID-19 outbreak in India, by using the Y- BOCS.…”

“…Two case reports that examined OCS dynamics during the COVID-19 period, among adults with OCD that was stabilized prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, found exacerbation in cleaning compulsions ( French & Lyne, 2020 ; Kumar & Somani, 2020 ). A case report by Sheu et al ( Sheu et al, 2020 ) found that exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy for a patient with contamination obsessions effective in reducing OCS and recommends continuation of ERP treatment during the current pandemic.…”

Coronaphobia revisted: A state-of-the-art on pandemic-related fear, anxiety, and stress

“…For example, in this volume Cox, Jessup, Luber, and Olatunji (2020)) show that disgust proneness contributes to maladaptive anxiety responses and, in doing so, may represent a target for treatment. This work may also be informed by better understanding challenges that COVID-19 creates for the treatment of anxiety-related disorders, such as illustrated in this volume by Sheu, McKay, and Storch (2020)) regarding applications of exposure and response prevention for OCD during a pandemic.…”

Applying Implementation Drivers to Scale-up Evidence-Based Practices in New York State

“…A more recent challenge has emerged due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The stress from the pandemic and physical distancing is expected to increase both mental health symptoms and substance use, particularly among those already vulnerable to these conditions (Du et al 2020 ; McKay and Asmundson 2020 ). Emerging data (Czeisler et al 2020 ; McKay and Asmundson 2020 ) and anecdotal reports on implementation support calls support this concern.…”

“…The stress from the pandemic and physical distancing is expected to increase both mental health symptoms and substance use, particularly among those already vulnerable to these conditions (Du et al 2020 ; McKay and Asmundson 2020 ). Emerging data (Czeisler et al 2020 ; McKay and Asmundson 2020 ) and anecdotal reports on implementation support calls support this concern. Additionally, those with substance use disorders have higher rates of the comorbid health conditions that increase vulnerability to the impacts of COVID-19 (Farhoudian et al 2020 ; Volkow 2020 ).…”