How have individuals with OCD been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic? Prof. Christine Lochner discusses global research findings regarding the prevalence rates, severity and the risk factors – including being single, a student or having sleep disturbances. Interesting: certain OCD symptoms may have developed to ensure the survival of our ancestors… Learn how to best manage a mental health condition during a pandemic. Sponsored content.

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In ep. 104 of the weekly podcast series Calm, Clear and Helpful, clinical psychologist and researcher prof. Christine Lochner touches on

•  a definition of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: what obsessions and compulsions involve

• how the risk of infection, pervasive media focus, lockdown and economic insecurity affected not only all of us but especially those with mental disorders research results regarding the possible increase of OCD rates during the pandemic and the severity of symptoms

• which specific symptoms tended to increase, e.g. the fear of contamination and hand-washing rituals   

• worsening OCD as related to specific demographic groups, personal characteristics, depression and generalised anxiety disorder

• how factors like being single, a student, or having sleep disturbances tied in with more severe OCD symptoms

• how some OCD symptoms (not the disorder) may could be seen as adaptive in evolutionary terms

• the role of neuro-inflammatory changes and streptococcal infections in the onset of OCD

• recommendations for managing OCD during the current or future pandemics

• Christine’s 3 tips on life, love and the pursuit of happiness. 

In this episode, Christine mentions the Global OCD International Multisite Study and calls on the siblings of individuals with OCD in the Cape Town area to consider becoming involved, as well as adults with OCD to take part in a treatment component: Whatsapp number 0762336270

For Christine’s contact details, just scroll down.  

Here Christine explains how to recognise and cope with OCD.

Contact details

Prof. Christine Lochner is a clinical psychologist and researcher at an extramural research unit of the Medical Research Council at the universities of Stellenbosch and Cape Town.

Facebook: OCD Research South Africa

Whatsapp number: 0762336270

Email address: ocdrsa@sun.ac.za or cl2@sun.ac.za

The Global OCD International Multisite Study: https://global-ocd.org/

Discover why experiencing anxiety is not a choice, and how different types of anxiety - including OCD - can be recognised.

The free podcast series Calm, Clear & Helpful is available on iTunes, Spotify, Player FM, Pocket Casts and Iono.fm.

Podcast music by Mart-Marie Snyman.

Thumbnail image: Unsplash.

Photograph of prof. Christine Lochner: supplied.

Please note:

These podcasts are intended purely for educational purposes and should never replace professional evaluation or discussion.

If you have suicidal thoughts, phone the free SADAG helpline at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 (both available 24/7) or contact a qualified medical professional.