BIPOLA

R, ODD, &

OCD

BY : A

SHLEY J

OH

NSO

N &

MARY

VESTA VALER IO

Bipolar Disorder• Biological brain

disorder• A condition

that affects many mental and physical processes.

• Causes severe fluctuations in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior.

• Much more than highs and lows

Oppositional Defiance Disorder(ODD)

• An ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, hostile, and annoying behavior toward people in authority.

• Cause unknown• May be inherited• Angry, argumentative,

and disruptive behavior toward authority figures

WHAT IS IT?Obsessive Compulsive

Disorder(OCD)

• Neurological brain disorder

• Affects approximately one percent of school-aged children

• Imbalance of serotonin

• Delays in a child’s ability to process thoughts and feelings

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENTS

Bipolar:

• crying for no apparent reason

• depression, impulsivity, obsessive thoughts

• defiance of authority

• sleeping too little or too much, and night terrors.

ODD:

• Repeated temper tantrums

• Arguing with adults

• May abuse drugs & alcohol

• Easily annoyed by others

OCD:

• Repeated actions: locking and relocking doors, checking lights over and over, excessive counting

• Fear of germs: washes hands constantly

PARENT’

S PERSPE

CTIVE

Mar

ci M

iller

& Tam

mie

Ivie

Very frustrating Blows up at little things Physically and verbally

aggressive Self-critical Stickler for rules Paranoid Prefers adults

What is it like?

What works?

Rewards and incentives: visual, pointsSpecific schedulePatience: Go with the flowCompromise but don’t give in

“I want my daughter to find happiness and not be so frustrated and angry at everything and everyone.” Marci Miller

TEACHER’S

PERSPE

CTIVE

What Works? Show them you care:

develop a bond with them

Don’t push Pick your battles Do not dismiss their

paranoia: listen to their concerns and then express your perspective on the situation

Divert their attention to something else if possible

Give them space Work closely with parents Make your idea their idea

Annette

Gra

ff

WHAT TEACHERS CAN AND SHOULD DO ACCORDING TO RESEARCH. . .

Bipolar ODD OCD

Reduce homework

Short schedule Set schedule Part time home-

based tutor Extra time for

tests Teach life skills Playground aide Ready access to

counselor Relaxed

deadlines on long-term projects

Type papers instead of writing

Summer school

Simple directions Give choices Use a calm tone Discuss problems

privately Clearly define

expectations Whisper praises

quietly without bringing attention to the student

Walk away before the situation gets too hot

Have a positive attitude

Encourage class to include student, and do not tolerate negative comments

Bring awareness to the class

Create a safe environment

Allow a break to defuse anxiety: get a drink, sit in the hall for a few minutes

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anglada, T., & Hakala, S.M. (2008). Childhood bipolar disorder answer book.

Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks,Inc.

Burgess, W. (2008). The bipolar handbook for children, teens, and families. New

York, NY: Penguin Group, Inc.

Ivie, T. (2012, November 27) Personal interview.

McDonnell, M.A., & Wozniak, J. (2008). Is your child bipolar? New York, NY: Bantam

Dell.

Miller, M. (2012, November 29) Personal interview.

Staff. (2012). Oppositional defiant disorder. Retrieved from

http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?

Woolsey-Terrazas, W., & Chavez, J.A. (2011). Strategies to work with students with

oppositional defiant disorder. Retrieved from

http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?