Digital OCD: How Phones Fuel Student Anxiety

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in young individuals today frequently involves technology-shaped rituals. These can include compulsively re-reading messages, seeking reassurance online, and mentally reviewing past interactions, causing significant distress and exhaustion even before academic activities commence.

The onset of OCD often occurs during teenage years and early adulthood, a period marked by intense academic pressure and social development. In India, factors such as demanding examinations, crowded living conditions, and the pervasive stigma surrounding mental illness can intensify these challenges.

While OCD is not uncommon, with an estimated 0.8% adult prevalence in India, treatment access remains a critical issue. The country faces enormous treatment gaps, meaning a large majority of those needing help do not receive it promptly. Untreated OCD can subtly disrupt education, relationships, and self-esteem, as individuals may continue functioning while losing significant daily time to unseen rituals.

Modern OCD can involve obsessions like contamination fears or moral doubts, leading to compulsions such as excessive checking or mental reviewing. The digital realm has introduced new compulsions like repeated message re-reading and constant online searches for certainty. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these symptoms for many, normalizing behaviors that can blur the lines for vulnerable individuals.

Diagnosis and treatment are available, utilizing structured assessments and therapies like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Medications such as SSRIs can also help manage symptoms. For young people, family involvement in reducing reassurance-seeking and supporting treatment is crucial. Addressing access and stigma within educational institutions and strengthening community-level mental health services are vital steps to shorten the delay from symptom onset to effective care.