OCD and college a difficult match but definitely not insurmountable. College students with OCD are faced with unique challenges and wonderful opportunities. This is a time when people make new friendships, open new relationships, meet professors and have roommates. This is also a time when you may need a new therapist because youre moving out of your home area.
If you are currently in treatment with a therapist using cognitive behavioral therapy your therapist can help you find one in your new area. If you arent this might be a good time to start. Research has found that medication plus therapy has the best therapeutic outcome.
If you cant find a therapist in your area who is well versed in cognitive behavioral therapy there will be one who is willing to consult with others to learn the techniques to help those with OCD.
Once youve been accepted to a college and found a therapist you might want to line up a couple sessions before school starts. There is enough stress moving away from home and starting a new program without having a comforting face to whom to turn.
The summer before college is also a good time to plan ahead to the things that trigger your OCD and how youll deal with them. You will also want a plan in place for situations for which you havent yet made a plan. Think ahead about with whom you will and wont share your information about your condition.
Remembering that 3% of all young adults suffer with OCD there will most probably be others at your school with OCD. This is a good opportunity to network with others who share the same challenges and brainstorm solutions.
Your college counselor may be able to get you in touch with other student with the condition and will also be able to help pave the way with your college professors.
Depending upon your individual situation you may be entitled to additional support or accommodations at college. This can help to make things more manageable. Check with your high school counselor, special education department or counseling support system in high school for the particulars in your state.
Some students and parents have found that smaller colleges, who are able to afford more individualized attention, are better suited for students who suffer from anxiety related disorders. Smaller colleges are able to make more and better accommodations for the students.
Other parents are also quick to point out that the literature is now finding more co-morbid conditions with OCD such as depression. Therefore, mentioning the OCD before admission or in papers could be detrimental to post-college employment opportunities especially when the condition is well controlled and external help or accommodations arent needed.
On the other hand students who may need an explanation for poor grades or extra help in classes may need to discuss their OCD. In this case using the information in essays and educating others about the challenges that are faced is a good way to communicate with the professors.
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