How OCD affects executive function
Photo/Mark Mainka
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental condition in which a person suffers from repeated, unwanted thoughts and fears (i.e., obsessions). To cope with these obsessions, the person feels compelled to repeat a behavior, known as a compulsion. OCD can be difficult for students to cope with, especially since it can have stark effects on key facets of executive function, such as:
Focus: With OCD, intrusive thoughts can take over, leading to a constant unwanted focus on the obsessions and compulsions. Individuals with OCD may fixate on their intrusive thoughts, and trying to shift away from their obsessions can feel impossible. Students struggling with the disorder may find it hard to concentrate on their schoolwork because of their compulsions, both in-class and at home.
Organization: Contrary to popular belief, OCD is not centered around being excessively tidy. In fact, some people struggling with the disorder feel a compulsion to hoard, or clean one area constantly while neglecting other areas. For example, a student may feel the need to keep all of their old assignments, even when the stacks of paper make their room a maze. Or perhaps their desk stays tidy, but their clothes are scattered all over the room. For students, in particular, compulsions can have a drastic effect on cleanliness and hygiene, making it difficult for those with the disorder to stay organized.
Motivation: People with OCD tend to have perfectionistic tendencies, which can lead to procrastination and putting off a task as it needs to be done “just right.” Some students with OCD struggle with finding the motivation to complete assignments, because they need everything to be “perfect” to start. They may procrastinate, or not even submit the assignment, because it doesn’t meet their standards.
Self-control: Since compulsions alleviate the stress of obsessions and intrusive thoughts, they can become ingrained into an obsessive person’s routine very quickly. For students, compulsions can be especially damaging, because they interfere with the routines of school and can prevent students from participating in social activities. For example, if a student has a compulsion that requires leaving the classroom, repeatedly stepping away and missing parts of class time can impact academic performance. Students with OCD may also start to avoid activities they once enjoyed if those activities trigger obsessive thoughts.
OCD severely affects executive function skills, and the effects of the disorder can be draining for students. It is essential for students to feel well-supported by their families and teachers as they navigate how to cope with their condition. Informing teachers and faculty is helpful, as they may be able to offer adjustments to accommodate students’ needs.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, the International OCD foundation has a helpful guide to the disorder and possible treatments, visit https://iocdf.org/.
References
(2022) Executive Dysfunction, Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23224-executive-dysfunction.
Pazza, A. (2019). Perfectionism and Intolerance of Uncertainty are Predictors of OCD Symptoms in Children and Early Adolescents: A Prospective, Cohort, One-Year, Follow-Up Study, National Library of Medicine, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8650182/.
Danicey Reeder is a Psychology student at Ohlone College. She authored this post during her internship with ZenEdge Coaching through the Youth Mental Health Academy, a career development program that supports students interested in mental health and other health-related careers. The Youth Mental Health Academy is an initiative of the Child Mind Institute, the nation’s leading independent nonprofit dedicated to children’s mental health. Outside of her studies, Danicey enjoys reading, drawing, crocheting, and playing the saxophone.
