Analyzing the Contents of a Large, Public Online Peer Support Forum for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Thematic Analysis

Online peer support forum users demonstrated substantial knowledge of OCD and treatments; these forums enable users to receive social support and exchange helpful information and peer experiences related to seeking medical treatment. However, many users use the platform to connect with others experiencing similar subtypes of OCD or to seek confirmation that their symptoms are OCD, which is promoted by community norms and may suggest they are reassurance-seeking. Close moderation by health care professionals and restricting detailed sharing of OCD symptoms to prevent reassurance-seeking may be important for ensuring a net positive impact of online peer support forums for OCD. In addition, clinicians should consider if their patients may be reassurance-seeking on this and similar OCD forums, given their popularity. Future studies should conduct interviews with users and investigate patterns of user ability to further understand the potential harms and benefits of online peer support forums.