Subjective impact of COVID-19 pandemic on youth with tic and OCD spectrum disorders

Objectives

This study investigated the perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth with chronic tic disorders (CTD) and/or obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) based on subjective reports, objective measures, and parental feedback. This study also sought to investigate whether and how these reported experiences differed based on the presence of underlying tic and/or OCD spectrum diagnoses.

Methods

Children with CTD, OCD, and Tics + OCD and their parents were recruited to complete an online survey from July 2020 through April 2021. Forty-eight responses were received; child respondents had a median age of 12 years.

Results

On average, youth reported that the pandemic negatively impacted them in several domains, particularly after-school activities, relationships with friends, and social/community gatherings. Despite the small sample size, youth with OCD appeared to experience a greater negative impact compared to other subgroups. Median screen use in this sample was 3–8 hours a day, and youth who reported > 8 hours on weekends trended towards increased depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Consistent with the physician-authors’ clinical experiences, youth with CTD, OCD, and Tics + OCD and their parents reported a subjective negative impact of the pandemic on various symptoms and psychosocial domains. Going forward, if another lockdown loomed, it would be valuable to stay attuned to these vulnerable youth, particularly those with OCD symptoms, and consider providing support in specific psychosocial domains, such as relationship with peers and home life.