DS (6) hearing voices

[OldBench]

Has anyone got any experience of this please?

ds has just turned 6, has said that he keeps hearing voices. They say horrible things to him (doesn't want to tell me details but one eg he gave is them saying he is stupid). Sometimes they're nice but he doesn't like it and wants it to stop.

Trying to get an urgent app with dr but in the meantime if anyone has any experience of this please come and talk to me? I am very worried.

[cocolepew]

My DD has been having instrusive thoughts since she was 11. She has OCD. It's not really voices as such but thoughts, always disturbing.

[Buzzardbird]

I had this from about the age of 4. Mine turned out to be tinnitus, not sure whether a GP was ever consulted I just know that now I know what it is as my tinnitus is really bad and wide spectrum it can sound like a lot of things.
I remember clearly at 4 that it sounded like an angry man shouting at a little girl who would cry.

[ClockWatchingLady]

I used to have a "voice" in my head when I was a child (around the same age, I think). I remember it sometimes telling me my spellings were wrong (I think it often had a point)! Anyway, it gradually went, and didn't have any lasting repercussions.

I can understand why it's worrying for you - and I agree that a referral wouldn't go amiss - but I don't think this is uncommon in children. I also don't think it has the same meaning as if an older person suddenly reports hearing voices. Children often are, I think, less prone to distinguish between thoughts and "voices". Think also of how many children have imaginary friends.

Are there any things which have been particularly worrying your DS recently? Any life changes, etc.? It seems possible that it could be a manifestation of anxiety.

Best of luck with it all.

[OldBench]

Many thanks for your posts. It sounds as though it could have a few different causes then. Took ds to the Dr, who was concerned and has started a referral, just in case. But having me, a big important doctor and himself on a "team" also seemed to reassure ds and today has been better for him.

Veer between worrying there is something really wrong MH-wise, (no recent trauma but a massive bereavement that ds is just waking up to in terms of true understanding of death / loss) and worrying that I am over-reacting massively and the whole thing is just him imagining stuff / making things up and dr and teachers will label me a hysterical mother.

(but then again, he is not a particularly imaginative boy, much more into facts and figures...)

[cocolepew]

I would hazard a guess that the bereavment is at the reason for it.
Hopefully it will be resolved soon.

[cocolepew]

Actually my DD is similar with regards to imagination. She is very logical.

[Shesaysso]

Had exactly the same with my Dd when she was that age. Said she kept hearing a naughty voice in her head that was telling her to do bad things that she didnt want to do and that it was telling her that Mummy was bad. It also majorly freaked me out and I was imagining all sorts. It went on for about 6 months and then it stopped as quickly as it started. When I googled it was surprising how many similar stories came up from people with children about the same age. Shes now 8 and perfectly fine. I've in hindsight just put it downn to a developing vivid imagination but it was worrying at the time xx

[cocolepew]

If you haven't already I would mention it to his teacher, they won't think you hysterical