Very wierd behavoir and emotional outbursts

[kelly601]

Hi. I have a four year old son that does really weird things. If I interrupt him during these things, he'll scream bloody murder. Other than that, he's a good kid and very smart. Some examples are: If he knows im taking a shower, he has to be in there with me. Everytime he drinks something, he touches his nose. He'll play outside for about 5 minutes, then start walking along the fence. For about 5 minutes at a time, he'll play with a string and just stare at it intensely. If he runs towards us on the couch, he'll stick out his tounge and bite it (straining his face). He doesnt have trouble playing with others, his behavoir is just really wierd. If i try to stop him he screams and cries like it's the end of the world. I feel like there's a name  or disorder for his behaviour, but not sure. Any advice or suggestions???

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It would be wise to have your son evaluated by a peditaric menatl health professional. Most of the symptoms you describe are typical of obsessive-compulsive disorder, though not entirely. The symptoms have to be considered against the backdrop of his overall development, and that is why he should undergo an evaluation.

[kelly601]

Another reason im worried is that i have had a bad past. During my younger years,  I used to be addicted to drugs and i have epilepsy, so im worried that my health and past may have something to do with his behavoir. I'm very healthy now and have been for a while, and  healthy throughout the pregnancy.