The Emergence of New-Onset Obsessive and Compulsive Disorder in an Adolescent During COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge toll on both the physical and mental health of people around the globe. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, as well as long-term sequelae, have been demonstrated in those afflicted with COVID-19. These symptoms range from cognitive, attention deficit, new-onset anxiety, depression, psychosis, seizures, and post-traumatic stress. Prolonged lockdown led to social isolation which negatively affected the mental well-being of many individuals. This particularly caused a relapse of psychiatric symptoms due to stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. It sparked an increase in hoarding behaviors such as obtaining germicidal and cleaning supplies. In this report, we present a case of an adolescent male presenting with a new onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder with symptoms similar to olfactory hallucinations and olfactory reference syndrome in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic.