Mdedge Psychcast

Lorenzo Norris, MD, touches base with Nick Andrews to discuss COVID-19 and to welcome Jacqueline Posada, MD, as an occasional cohost of the MDedge Psychcast. Dr. Posada, associate producer, interviews Lynne S. Gots, PhD, about treating anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other disorders in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Gots is an assistant clinical professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at George Washington University, Washington. She has a private psychotherapy practice and has no financial relationships to disclosure.   Take-home points Anxiety during COVID-19 will not only be an exacerbation of current anxieties but also of underlying vulnerabilities. Presently, the most common vulnerability is intolerance of anxiety. It is helpful to reassure patients (and clinicians) that everyone is anxious right now. Anxiety is an adaptive response to a threat, and COVID-19 and its repercussions makes this a threatening time. In the midst of this anxiety, think about creati