ANXIETY AND OBSESSION ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG GENERAL POPULATION.

Abstract

Human civilization probably is passing through the most critical juncture of this millennium. Its existence is being challenged by the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic. The impact of COVID-19 on mental health of the masses has emerged as a matter of enormous concern. The purpose of the study was to assess the anxiety and obsessive thoughts associated with COVID-19 pandemic among general population. The study was conducted among 720 Indians living in different parts of the world. Data was collected by online survey with coronavirus anxiety scale (CAS) and Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS). It was found that out of the 720 participants 86 (12%) felt extreme social isolation due to COVID 19 pandemic. Nearly one third of the participants (28%) reported moderate level of anxiety and majority of the respondents (62%) experienced disturbing thoughts about contracting COVID-19.