Taḥqīqāt-i ̒Ulūm-i Raftārī (Apr 2022)
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
Abstract
Aim and Background: 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. Findings: 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. Conclusions: 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.
