What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD is a disorder that causes an individual to have constant, irrational thoughts (obsessions) that generate anxiety. The individual responds to this anxiety by repeating rituals (compulsions) that give short-term relief. The individuals obsession can be any thing, and the compulsion can be any act; regardless, the thoughts and actions interfere with their life.

Signs and Symptoms

People with OCD have repeated thoughts or images about a certain thing, do the same ritual over and over again, and also cannot control the unwanted behavior. A person with OCD gets no pleasure from performing their compulsions, instead gaining momentary relief from their anxiety.

Who Gets OCD?

OCD sometimes runs in the family, but no one knows exactly why some people have it and some people do not. OCD affects 2.2 million American adults, and most people who have OCD are diagnosed by the time they are 19.

Teaching a Student with OCD

Students with OCD may obsess about their work being perfect, so extensions may be necessary. If the student obsesses about neatness, particularly handwriting, a laptop can help. Children with OCD may obsess about seating arrangement, how words are read, and even changes in schedule. The most important thing about for a teacher to do is just be patient and to not cause the child more anxiety than they already have.

Treatments for OCD

Treatment for OCD generally consists of medication, psychotherapy, or both. Doctors prescribe anti-anxiety medication as well as antidepressants to treat OCD. Therapy for OCD is called cognitive-behavioral therapy, and it teaches different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to situations that help him or her feel less anxious or fearful without having obsessive thoughts or acting compulsively.

References

(n.d.). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, OCD. National Institute of Mental Health, Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/index.shtml Duckworth, K., & Freeman, J. L. (2012). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. National Alliance on Mental Illness, Retrieved from http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&Template=/TaggedPage/ TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=54&ContentID=23035 (2014). Managing OCD in the Classroom. Beyond OCD, Retrieved from http://www.ocdeducationstation.org/role-of-school-personnel/managing-ocd-in-the-classroom/