Obsessive-compulsive disorder post-COVID-19: a case presentation.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant changes that impacted because of it, people around the world have been left dealing with its consequences-fear of becoming ill and dying, fear of losing loved ones, uncertainty about the future, and imposed social isolation-several elements which could lead to psychological consequences. Moreover, as suggested by recent evidence, the virus acts as a factor in causing psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, and post-traumatic stress disorder. CASE PRESENTATION Here, we report a case of a patient with new-onset OCD after his recovery from the coronavirus disease, which presented in the form of recurrent and persistent intrusive thoughts and doubts which responded to medication. CONCLUSIONS: This case shows the potential of COVID-19-associated inflammatory triggers to precipitate or induce obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Although this case cannot support causation, it does stress the bidirectional effects that physical and mental illness share.