hearing voices

I have a 9 year old boy that has been hearing whispering and someone calling his name.  He now says he can see people and talks to one of them.  We are having him evaluated for ADD, his Christian School feels he has.  He is terrified of these voices and is afraid to be alone.  He seems to be totally sane in all aspects of his life and has a good grip on reality.  I'm not sure how to help him.  What could this be?  As far as I know there is no history of mental illness.  By the way his brother has heard someone call his name since he was about 9 but can block it out he says.


This discussion is related to Almost 5 year old daughter says she is hearing voices.

[LRM1021]

Hearing voices is not a symptom of ADHD or ADD. It is a symptom of some other mental problems, however.


The fact that he hears voices, can see people who are not there, and that his brother has the same symptoms means that you should have both children evaluated by a psychiatrist as soon as possible.

[Coolpeach]

I know hearing voices is a symptom of schizophrenia, and I have heard of it being passed down or running in families. I would consider taking him to a psychologist. I took my middle son when he had self esteem/ school issues and my youngest to help with seperation anxiety. It never hurts, and can also help with other areas of his life he might need someone to talk to about.

Did any of this start after watching a scary movie or reading a scary book? Maybe his imagination is getting the best of him. My youngest is 12, and still gets really freaked out with horror movies.

[grub132]

A little tip for you, ask him if the voices are inside his head or outside his head? If he doesn't understand this ask if when he hears it is it like when he talks with you? If the answer is he is unsure or it's like when he talks with you , take him to a child psychiatrist along with your other son. Yes you are right it is not a symptom of ADD or ADHD. It can be a fine line with children and it is often related to a psychotic illness or extreme levels of anxiety or depression. I am not sure what other symptoms he may have as you have only mentioned a few. Yes you need to consider the childs imagination but this little tip will help determine the possible cause. Failing all it won't hurt to see someone for help.