Can obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affect math skills?

Question

My friend and I are in the accelerated math class. We both struggle, but I struggle because I have trouble in lots of classes. But she is really smart in all the other classes. I want to know if she is struggling in math because of the OCD. Thanks!

Answer 1

not necessarily. math may just be her weak subject. however, a lot of OCD behaviors involve counting...counting steps when you walk, etc. it is possible that she sees numbers and has a hard time moving on to the next step because it is, for example, an odd #. i struggled with some minor ocd. heres an example...i would sort my m&m's by color. i'd lay them out on the table and count them. if there was an odd number, like 11, i would throw one out. people often make fun of these kinds of habits and think they are quirks. many don't realize it is something that we can't always control. good luck to your friend...study with her to keep her mind busy and keep her brain from getting "stuck" on a number.