ABSTRACT
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often grouped with other anxiety-related disorders because anxiety and discomfort are a central component. It is, however, distinguished as a separate disorder in DSM-IV (American Psychiatric Association, 1994) and ICD-10 (World Health Organization, 1992). Although the evidence for considering OCD as a separate disorder is extremely limited, the distinctive features of obsessions and compulsions separate it from other anxiety disorders (discussed in Chapter 6 of this handbook) and for that reason, we have chosen to devote a separate chapter to it here. OCD often goes unrecognised in children and adolescents and this means that they do not get the treatment that could alleviate much of their suffering. Teachers are in an ideal position to observe children’s behaviour and it is important that they have an awareness of the features of the disorder so that appropriate help can be sought. At the same time, with understanding, there is a lot that teachers can do to help alleviate the difficulties of these children in the school setting.
