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consideration by Dr.
Marla.
My 28-month old son is obsessed with a mole I have on my forearm. During the day he will ask me (at least twice) what it is and I always say, "It's a beauty mark." He tries to touch it and
pick at it. I also have a mole on my breast that he can’t see but can
touch and he always goes to it when I breastfeed him (even in the dark).
I am worried he has the beginnings of a compulsive disorder. What
should I do?
A. In your
question you use the words
obsessive and compulsive. Obsessions are defined as unwanted thoughts.
Common obsessions or fears include those of coming into contact with
germs, fear of harming someone or oneself, obsessions with order and
symmetry such as lining up shoes by colour, size or direction. A
compulsion usually refers to either behaviours or thoughts that are done
in a repetitive or ritualistic way. Examples of that include
ritualistic hand washing, checking to see if an oven is turned off over
and over again, counting or tapping in a specific way and so
on.
While
many children can develop OCD early in life, the age of onset is
typically between seven and 12. It is estimated to be as common as three
percent of children and adolescents. Some of the symptoms might not be
immediately obvious but will become apparent with time. The symptoms can
be interpreted as behavioural issues. For example, a child who takes a
long time to clean his room might be preoccupied with it being perfect.
At the age of two, however, it is more than likely
your child is
exhibiting natural curiosity. I am concerned that you have attributed
this behaviour to a possible underlying mental illness in your child. I
would encourage you to sit down with your health care provider and
discuss why you have these concerns and where these concerns might
originate.
Published June 2010
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