I have just confirmed tonight my suspicion that DS is experiencing OCD type symptoms.
I suffered from OCD type symptoms as a child, I have it mostly under control now but have never seen anyone about it.
I noticed the other day that 7yo DS stopped half way through putting a pair of shorts on to touch one side of his leg, then the other, then the first again etc in quick succession. I recognised the type of action instantly, it reminded me exactly of how I was when I was younger.
Then tonight when I told him he had to go to bed, he stood up and did a similar action before leaving the room. I called him back and gave him a cuddle and asked if his brain as making him do things like touch things, because that's what my brain did too when I was little.
We had a chat and I found out that this has been going on for what feels like ages to him. He said it started because he wanted to be fair (by touching both sides) and he keeps doing it now. He finds it very irritating. He doesn't think it's happening because he's stressed (but I think he's simply too young to understand my question. I'm convinced mine happened because my home life was stressful. Sadly DS's is also).
It was bedtime so we didn't talk that long.
So, what now? I'll have a longer chat with him tomorrow. At least that's the first hurdle over. I never ever told anyone. And I lived with it until I managed to (mostly) get past it as an adult. If we can talk about it, he won't have to hide it.
I know that the type of symptoms I had, and I suspect DS has, are not nearly as severe as some OCD sufferers have, and probably wouldn't be considered that bad, or even "full" OCD. However I know my lived experience of it was tortuous and I don't want DS to go through that.
Before tonight I'd never done any research on OCD or compulsive / intrusive thoughts (too busy ignoring it so it'll go away!) but from the little I've read tonight, what I had and what it looks like DS has includes symmetry OCD - when you touch something and feel a compulsion to touch the other side. I also used to get thoughts that if I didn't do it, something awful would happen. I knew it was nonsense but still did it "just in case" a lot of the time. I also got intrusive thoughts. And probably a lot of other stuff I can't remember as for me as I deliberately have not thought about this stuff too hard in years!
Should I talk to a doctor for DS? Can anyone suggest anywhere to learn about OCD in children? (Am I using the right term?)
(I know I need to make his homelife less stressful, that's a given.)
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Mental health
OCD / symmetry compulsions in children. Anyone around with experience or advice?
8 replies
blinkowl · 10/07/2016 22:49
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