BIPOLAR, ODD, & OCD BY : ASHLEY JOHNSON & MARY VESTA VALERIO

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 PERSPECTIVE Marci Miller & Tammie 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, points Specific schedule Patience: Go with the flow Compromise 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 PERSPECTIVE 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 Graff

WHAT TEACHERS CAN AND SHOULD DO ACCORDING TO RESEARCH... BipolarODDOCD 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 Woolsey-Terrazas, W., & Chavez, J.A. (2011). Strategies to work with students with oppositional defiant disorder. Retrieved from