Compulsive obsessive pre-teen

Help! Help! Help! Six months ago, my 14 year old started exhibiting small compulsions such as stepping into and out of the room a few times before he'd enter it.  Within weeks, more odd behaviors were noted: washing his hands for a long time in extremely hot water, walking a set pattern around the kitchen floor before he'd exit it, turning around 3 times before walking, long periods of silence, mumbling something under his breath after everything he says, touching the doorknobs three times before leaving the bathroom, etc.  When asked what he's doing, he says "nothing, what's wrong?" There are new compulsions almost daily and I'm getting really concerned.  About a month after they first began, I talked to him about some of the "habits" I'd noticed.  He freely admitted that they made him comfortable to do them.  I explained that they are harmless unless they begin to prohibit him from moving about his day and performing normal daily functions.  Since then, I've tried bringing them to his attention occasionally to help him be aware of them and to halt their progression.  Yet, he seems more irritated at me for doing so and says, "

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Valerie,

On my way to the airport, I saw your question, and will reply as soon as I return. Dr. KDK

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Valerie,

Your son probably is displaying Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and the priority now is to have him evaluated by a child psychiatrist. The benefit of a trip to the pediatrician would be to conduct basic lab work, but it is very likely to be entirely normal.

If your son does display OCD, medication will be absolutely necessary. With the degree of severity that he displays, there is really no alternative. Medication such as Luvox (and perhaps a short while on an anti-psychotic medication to allay acute anxiety as well), in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapy, should bring some relief. Dr. KDK