Compulsive Obsessive behavior

[tami]

I'm concerned my son my have an anxiety disorder such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  He is constantly worried about a family member dying.  Or doing something to cause a family member to dye.  he makes deals with God and when he doesn't follow through thinks God will punnish him by hurting one of us.  He hears noices at night and gets himself all worked up about someone trying to break in and hurt us.  He started out by asking me everyday if everything will be alright.  Now its far more intense.  The question do occur daily but the middle of the night problems come and go.  We have any appt. with our general practitioner.  I thought thats where I should start.  My husband thinks its all for attention.  The questions he asks sometime scare me with the intensity.  He said once that he closed his eyes and so blood so does that mean his dad is dead.  He worries if he's had a bad thought as well.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Tami,

You are correct in thinking that your son may display an anxiety disorder. His symptoms are typical of children with Obsesive Compulsive Disorder and Separation Anxiety Disorder. If he displays OCD, it is likely that he will require treatment via both therapy (particularly cognitive behavioral treatment) and medication - OCD does not generally repond well to therapy alone. Separation Anxiety Disorder is responsive to therapy coupled with parent guidance.