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6 year old with OCD - where to go for help?

8 replies

northernlass81 · 05/09/2024 15:14

My 6 year old daughter has developed signs of OCD which are becoming more frequent and distressing for her. She's always been worried about her body and needs a lot of reassurance that normal things are normal and happen to everyone (wobbly teeth, cuts, blue veins etc). After Easter, she became obsessed about poisonous plants after touching a foxglove which led to her wahsing her hands a lot, not touching anything in the house that might have been 'poisoned', like her bedroom carpet, towel, teddies and even me. She started washing her hands more frequently and putting water or feet to clean the poison. It seemed to settle a bit over summer but the last few weeks it's really ramped up and shifted towards feeling like her body is covered in slime from a zombie. She spent 90 mins at bedtime getting up to wash her hands, wet her feet and legs etc. This morning she was all dressed the took everything off to do the same multiple times. She's so upset and says she knows its not normal but she can't help it. She says she wishes she didn't have all these worries and quite honestly, it breaks my heart. We've talked about worries being in control and its the worries and not really her that tell her to wash etc. If it keeps going like this, we'll need help but just not sure where to go. Distraction works for a while. I've spoken to school who said they've not seen any of the behaviour; it all comes out at home especially if she's tired. Visit the GP? Are there any NHS services that deal with this in a 6 year old that can be accessed quickly? Am I better off finding someone private? Any help much appreciated.

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JDob · 05/09/2024 15:50

See GP and contact Camhs. Also need to get assessed for Autism etc as it is severe anxiety but not really rational.

Nogodsnomasters · 05/09/2024 21:08

There's a book you can get called "what to do when you worry too much" for children with anxiety, I got it for my son and it did help. He's still an "anxious child" and does have an ASD diagnosis but this book has great techniques based on CBT that if you're consistent with could really help your daughter.

On a side note - your post is absolutely heartbreaking and I'm so sorry you're daughter is experiencing this and that you have to bear witness to it. My son's anxiety breaks my heart so I know how it feels.

nocoolnamesleft · 05/09/2024 22:18

A community paediatrician friend of mine regularly recommends the book Starving the Anxiety Gremlin, and looks like there's a version of that in the right age range. Agree that it might be worth considering ASD assessment.

glassoven · 05/09/2024 22:27

Nogodsnomasters · 05/09/2024 21:08

There's a book you can get called "what to do when you worry too much" for children with anxiety, I got it for my son and it did help. He's still an "anxious child" and does have an ASD diagnosis but this book has great techniques based on CBT that if you're consistent with could really help your daughter.

On a side note - your post is absolutely heartbreaking and I'm so sorry you're daughter is experiencing this and that you have to bear witness to it. My son's anxiety breaks my heart so I know how it feels.

I also used this book with my then 6 (nearly 7) year old and it helped a lot.

Daijoubudesu · 05/09/2024 22:33

Look up the SPACE programme developed by Dr Eli Lebowitz.

SPACE stands for Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions and is a parent-based treatment program for children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD and related problems.

Gingerisgoodforyou · 05/09/2024 22:34

This is a good book to read together - aimed at older than 6 but you could discuss the cbt concepts with her, and ideas for how to support her.

I'd agree, try to access camhs via the GP or school health. Also worth considering PANDAS - streptococcal infection that can cause sudden onset OCD if she's been ill recently?

Gingerisgoodforyou · 05/09/2024 22:35

Sorry, meant to add - its Breaking Free from OCD - written by national specialist centre staff.

northernlass81 · 08/09/2024 18:56

Thanks all. I'll have a look at the books suggested. It's been a bit better this last couple of days. I'd be surprised if she has an ASD diagnosis as this seems an isolated issue (teacher here so know the signs) but I will keep an open mind! School are going to refer her and I've got a GP appointment.

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