Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

(OCD)
Definition:
OCD is a person that is dealing with constant obsessions or
compulsions; that are severe enough to be time consuming, or cause
marked distress or significant impairment.
o OCD has a severity spectrum ranging from moderate to severe
OCD consists of two parts: Obsessions and compulsions.
o Obsessions are unwanted and repetitive thoughts, urges, or
images that do not go away. Obsessions can focus on anything,
and can be uncomfortable.
o Compulsions are actions meant to reduce anxiety caused by
obsessions. Compulsions may be behaviours that are obvious
(washing hands) or hidden (counting things)
People who experience OCD usually know that obsessions and
compulsions dont make sense, but they still feel like they cant control
them. Obsessions and compulsions can also change over time.
o Knowing that their actions do not make sense, OCD can lead to
depression or self hate, because people with OCD often feel like
they cant control their compulsions.
There is no identified cause of OCD for now, likely factors would
include family history, biology, and life experiences.
OCD is Diagnosed by a team of professionals. Teachers can be aware
of the general behaviours to suggest the student and their family to
specialists.
o ODC can be combined with:
ADHD
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Autism
The lifetime prevalence of OCD in Canada is about 2% of the
population Statistics Canada

Characteristics:
It is important to note that because deafness and hard of hearing
impairments are varied in both the individuals type AND severity, the
students ability and developmental stages of speech and other aspects will
be INDIVIDUAL and highly contextual.
Typically, students with these impairments will exhibit:
The OCD ritual might cause fatigue and inability to focus on school
work

Frequent bathroom requests

Constant reassurance-seeking
Getting stuck on tasks or easily distracted
Excessive erasing
Slowness on exams and paper tasks
Avoidance
Complaints of anxiety and fatigue

Teaching Strategies:
Students that have OCD may exhibit symptoms such as- disruptive
behaviours (walking around, constant or obvious questions, etc.) and fidgeting
(resulting from the obsession mentioned earlier) these are similar behaviours of
ADHD. These disorders are not the same; teaching strategies can not
be the same.
Talk to the student and/or guardians to learn how you can meet that
students needs
o A meeting early in the school year
Ask about what things the student tends to obsess about,
and possible coping strategies that work at home that may
be helpful in the classroom
De-mystify the disorder
o Understand the individual students type, symptoms, and severity
of OCD
o Lean how the disorder may affect the students learning and well
being so you can accommodate your teaching style
o Understand that OCD cannot be aided by medication, OCD is
best helped by behavioural modification.
This is where a teacher can help the student with OCD the
most.
Recognize and reinforce positive behaviours
Try to develop a system of communication with the student
o So they can communicate what they need or how they are
feeling
o Make sure that students can confide and talk to their teacher, a
student with OCD may feel more comfortable expressing what
they are obsessing about and know that it will not be seen as a
ridiculous notion.
o Inform the student in advance about changes in routine.
Dont involve yourself with the ritual
o If a student continually looks for reassurance, inform the student that, you
already know the answer to the question. Can you tell me the answer?
Never criticize obsessive behaviors

Resources to use:

Canadian Mental Health Association

o https://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/obsessive-compulsivedisorder/
Statistics Canada
o http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-619-m/2012004/sections/sectionb-eng.htm#a4
Child Mind Institute
o http://www.childmind.org/en/posts/articles/2011-11-28-teachers-guide-ocdclassroom