OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE
DISORDER
DEFINITIONS:
Common anxiety disorder
It causes unreasonable thoughts, fears, or
worries
A person with OCD tries to manage these
thoughts through rituals
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN OCPD AND OCD?
OCPD- a personality disorder that causes an extensive preoccupation with perfectionism, organization, and control.
OCD- are usually aware that their obsessions and compulsions are problematic and accept that they need
professional help to treat the condition.
CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS
Genetics- genetics- Studies show that people who have a first-degree relative (biological parent or
sibling) with OCD are at a higher risk for developing the condition
Childhood trauma- Some studies show an association between childhood trauma such as abuse or
neglect and the development of OCD
Environmental- Environmental factors such as stress and even bacteria may also play a role in what
causes OCD
Brain Structure- Brain scans have consistently shown differences in brain activity, structure, and
function among people with OCD. These differences suggest that problems in the way the brain
relays information to the body (and vice versa), processes emotions, and control impulses could
contribute to the development of obsessions and compulsions
Illness or infection- severe OCD symptoms may suddenly appear in children ages 3 to 12 after an
illness caused by a streptococcal infection
Compulsions are repetitive, ritualized acts. They are meant to reduce anxiety caused by the
obsession(s). Examples are:
Repeated hand-washing (often 100+ times a day)
Checking and rechecking to make sure that a door is locked or that the oven is turned off
Following rigid rules of order such as putting on clothes in the same order daily.
EFFECTS
Fear of contamination or dirt
Doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainly
Needing things orderly and symmetrical
Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others
Unwanted thoughts, including aggression or sexual or religious subjects.
EFFECTS IN THE LEARNERS:
Tardiness or absences from school
Rereading, rewriting, excessive erasing, or throwing paper out
Inability to complete work, procrastination
Difficulty transitioning from tasks, including entering or exiting rooms
Adjusting desk, contents of desk, locker or backpack, or other items in the classroom
STRATEGIES TO MANAGE AND TREATMENTS
Psychotherapy
-Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy is effective for many people with OCD.
During CBT, a therapist will help you examine and understand your thoughts and emotions.
-Exposure and response prevention (ERP), a type of CBT, a therapist exposes you to your feared
situations or images and has you resist the urge to perform a for compulsion.
-Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), helps you to learn and accept obsessive thoughts as
just thoughts, taking the power away from them.
Some of the habits that can help to manage your symptoms and stay on track on your recovery
journey:
Practice mindfulness to manage stress
-Mindfulness- the ability to be fully present in the moment, accepting your experience without
judgment or the need to escape it.
Get plenty of exercise
-It helps to refocus your mind when intrusive thoughts and compulsion arise. Experts
recommend 30 minutes of aerobic exercise per day, but it doesn’t have to happen all at once.
Prioritize sleep
-intrusive thoughts can keep you awake long into the night. Follow a bedtime routine to tell your
body it’s time for sleep
Avoid nicotine and alcohol
-alcohol feels like it relaxes you at first, but as it wears off it increases your anxiety levels
Reach out to family and friends
-isolation can make OCD symptoms worse so make sure you prioritize time with people you care
about
CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATION
Give extra time with assignments and take a rest
Give extra help to get work completed
Have a student work with a peer to complete a specific assignment
For students who have trouble taking notes and listening in class (because of the need to correct,
perfect, or re-write notes), give prepared notes.
The right treatment can help students with OCD, but overcoming it isn’t a quick or easy process.
REFERENCES:
Verywell health. (2022, July). What is OCD?
https://www.verywellhealth.com/
Cleveland Clinic. (2022, December). Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9490-ocd-obsessive-compulsive-disorder
Merck Manual: Professional Version. (2022, December) obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
(https://www.merckmanuals.com/
professional/psychiatric-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-and-related-disorders/obsessive-
compulsive-disorder-ocd).
Nemours Kids Health. (2021, July). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Factsheet (for Schools).
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/ocd
NOCD. (2023, October). 6 Effective Strategies to Combat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/
Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. 2019. https://www.mayoclinic.org/
