Comparing individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Panic Disorder (PD), with nonclinical population on obsessive beliefs and COVID-19 stress two years after the beginning of the pandemic

Because of the similarity between some signs of panic disorder (PD) and COVID-19, individuals with PD like individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are vulnerable to negative outcomes of the pandemic. However, previous studies did not adequately address the impacts of COVID-19 on this disorder. Regarding the importance of cognitive mechanisms for both disorders, examining the cognitive impacts of COVID-19 is especially critical. The study aims to compare individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), and nonclinical samples in terms of obsessive beliefs and COVID-19 stress, two years after the beginning of the pandemic.

Methods and Materials:

 In a survey, 127 individuals were recruited through purposive sampling. After being taken for the clinical interview, they were divided into OCD (n=42), PD (n=40), and nonclinical (n=45) groups. Participants responded to the Obsessive Beliefs Questionnaire (OBQ-44), COVID-19 Stress Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and Scheffe posthoc tests.

There were no significant differences between clinical groups based on any obsessive beliefs. In terms of socioeconomic outcomes and traumatic stress components of COVID-19 stress, there were no significant differences between clinical and nonclinical groups. However, individuals with OCD and PD obtained meaningfully higher scores in xenophobia and obsessive checking/ reassurance-seeking components, respectively, than other groups. Even two years after the beginning of the pandemic, clinical groups were significantly more concerned about the danger and contamination of COVID-19 than the nonclinical group.

Obsessive beliefs in individuals with PD are comparable to individuals with OCD during the pandemic. Also, individuals with PD engaged more in obsessive checking/ reassurance-seeking than individuals with OCD and the nonclinical group; it could burden extensive costs for the therapeutic system during the pandemic.