What Teachers Should Know Students with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have upsetting or scary thoughts or images (called obsessions) pop into their minds that are hard to shake. Common obsessions include contamination, safety, and need for symmetry. Unwanted and intrusive thoughts can be of an aggressive or sexual nature. People with OCD feel strong urges to repeatedly do certain things — called rituals or compulsions — to banish the scary and intrusive thoughts; ward off things they dread; or make sure that things are safe, clean, or right in some way. Common compulsions include cleaning, checking, counting, repeating, arranging, touching, seeking reassurance. Doctors consider obsessive thinking and rituals to be OCD when they do one or more of the following: take up more than 1 hour each day cause distress interfere with daily activities OCD in kids is usually diagnosed between age 7 and 12. Since these are the years when kids naturally feel concerned about fitting in with peers, the discomfort and stress brought on by OCD can make them feel scared, out of control, and alone. Stressful events (such as starting school or a loved one's death, for example) can trigger or worsen OCD. Students with OCD may: miss class time to talk to a school counselor or other mental health specialist need extra time to complete assignments because they reread and rewrite assignments need to take medicine have rituals and preoccupations that seem odd to other students, which may make them a target for bullies benefit from special education services, such as individualized education programs (IEPs) or 504 education plans What Teachers Can Do Because OCD symptoms can interfere with learning, some students with the disorder require instructional accommodations, including extra time with assignments or learning breaks if they're feeling anxious. Teachers need to understand that a student's ritualistic behaviors are part of the disorder. Talking with a school counselor and the student's parents or guardians to learn about the student can help. You might be asked to help the student redirect the behavior or ignore the behavior instead of correcting it or issuing a consequence. OCD is treatable, but overcoming it isn't a quick or easy process. Students with OCD usually need to work with a therapist and take medicines to help manage their behaviors and the accompanying thoughts and feelings. Back to Articles Related Articles Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Everyone feels anxiety, fear, or worry at some time - it's normal to worry about school, your friends, your appearance, and tons of other stuff. But for teens with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), these feelings are taken to extremes. Read More Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder All kids have worries and doubts. But some have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in which their worries compel them to behave in certain ways over and over again. OCD can get better with the right attention and care. Read More Body Dysmorphic Disorder For teens, concerns about appearances often take center stage. But if these concerns are all-consuming, cause extreme distress, and keep them from doing and thinking about other things, it may be a sign of a condition called body dysmorphic disorder. Read More Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Someone might say you're obsessed with soccer or something else that you really like, but when someone has a true obsession, it isn't any fun. Find out more about obsessive-compulsive disorder in this article for kids. Read More Taking Your Child to a Therapist Many children and teens have problems that affect how they feel, act, or learn. Going to therapy helps them cope better, feel better, and do better. Read More Tourette Syndrome Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes tics -- movements or sounds that are repeated over and over. Learn more about Tourette syndrome in this article for kids. Read More Tourette Syndrome Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes uncontrolled sudden, repetitive muscle movements and sounds known as tics. Read More Going to a Therapist Getting help with emotions or stress is the same as getting help with a medical problem like asthma or diabetes. This article explains how therapy works and how it can help with problems. Read More Going to a Therapist What's it like to go to a psychologist, psychiatrist, or therapist? Find out in this article for kids. Read More Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child. Read More 504 Education Plans If your child has special needs in the classroom, he or she may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.