New Onset OCD in a young female: COVID 19 pandemic as stressor;A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease is a new and rapidly evolving pandemic. The physical consequences are well documented but the mental health challenges have been less well considered. AIM: To discuss new onset OCD phenomenon in a patient with history of COVID 19 infection in family members. • METHODOLOGY: (CASE REPORT): A 25 yr old, unmarried female, seen in walked in OPD presented with complaints of repeated handwashing and bathing,decreased interest in work, irritability.She was asymptomatic till pre Covid period,when the media buzzed with coronavirus cases all over the world.Patient’s mother and younger brother got infected with coronavirus.While taking care of them she developed repeated,intrusive,irrational thoughts of getting infected with the virus which she was unable to control following which she repeatedly washed her hands multiple times in a day despite developing irritant dermatitis due to excessive use of soap.All this led to impairment in her day to day functioning.For all these complaints patient was prescribed fluoxetine 60 mg & clonazepam 1 mg daily & weekly CBT sessions were planned. • CONCLUSION: OCD is sixth most disabling psychiatric disorder with lifetime prevalence of 1.9–3.3%. Among wide variety of problems faced by patients of OCD, COVID 19 has aggravated their plight manifold.