Is It OCD?

OCD or Just Really, Really Interested. Decoding Your Child's Behavior

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

My son is obsessed with anti-bacterial lotion. He completely freaks out if we're out and I don't have it in my purse or if he runs out of it at his desk. I know being obsessed with germs is a symptom of OCD, but can you have OCD at 8 years old? Should I be worried?

Sincerely,

Mr. Clean's Mom 

A:

Dear Mr. Clean's Mom,

Any time a child is obsessed with anything -- whether it's a hobby or a behavior, there are questions to be answered about the underlying cause of the obsession. If the child is simply extremely enthusiastic and has a habit or a history of attacking projects with gusto and passion, then this may just be a personality trait the same way some people are shy and some are good at math.

However, if there is an underlying neurological or psychological component to the behavior, the child may need further medical attention. Sometimes the obsession can be the first clue to something being disordered in the child's neurology or psychology, just like itchy red bumps can be the first clue to a Chicken Pox diagnosis.

But before a parent runs to the pediatrician, look at the developmental behavior of both biological parents of the child to see if there is a historical pattern in the child's family history of obsessive behavior. In addition, look for other clues, for instance appetite, sleep patterns, social behavior, and most importantly, any changes that seem to be occuring in addition to this seeming obsession.

If parents have a child who's just having trouble focusing on the big picture -- and playing video games or computer games at the expense of sleeping or interacting with other children, then it's up to the parents to set healthy boundaries for the child and the family.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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