O c d in children

[Katybell45]

Hi everybody, My son went to the child mental health centre for the first time today, we have to go three more times before getting a definate diagnosis of o c d but the doc seemed to think this is what my son is suffering, every week he seems to get worse with more rituals added. The doc said I have a meeting on my own then my son on his own then both together before he will say is this normal procedure for diagnosis? thanks

[Katybell45]

Hi, my son is twelve years old, his symptoms are caused by thought of death, I think he is trying to describe a battle in his head to make these thoughts go away, He seems to have lots of rituals, Over time he loses rituals and gains more, I have been told I shouldn't help him with his rituals because I ask constantly if anything bad is going to happen if he stops doing things and now has starting to try and avoid rituals by making me do things for him like placing things down and tying his shoe laces as these give him anxiety it's all very strange, you couldn't possibly make up what he does.

[jdtm]

My son also described having a good side of his head and a bad side

No, haven't heard of that.  But, the rating of anxiety triggers is very, very common.  As for the school, they might notice something after you mentioned this point but, unfortunately, there are so many children in each class that the quiet ones tend to get overlooked (from the mouth of a retired teacher).  By the way, how old is your son?

[Katybell45]

Thanks, My son also has to make a list of things he has to do and then rate them 0 being he can cope with ritual to 10 causing distress to him. They are also contacting school , my son has said he does rituals at school but when I contacted them they said they had no reports from any teachers, whether they don't notice or they don't realise I don't know . My son also described having a good side of his head and a bad side have you heard that said with people with o c d?

[jdtm]

I have a meeting on my own then my son on his own then both together before he will say is this normal procedure for diagnosis? -- your words

In our case, the psychiatrist spoke with the entire family (and this included at two year-old brother) every time (but our child was only five years old at the time).  I do know of friends whose doctor followied the procedure you are describing - their daughter was a teenager at the time (or almost).  So, it does not sound as an unusual method for diagnosis - at least to me.

[jdtm]

I'm so glad your son is on his way in treating his illness.  One suggestion I might make is for you to ask the doctor (or mental health specialist) if there is a support group for anxiety in your area.  One can gain so much insight from others who "walk the same walk".  Wishing you the best ...