Anonymous asked this question on 4/8/2000:
Thank you for taking the question.
I have a 19-year old son who has reported some OC behaviours, beginning it seems about 3 yrs ago when he was away from home for 3 months on an overseas exchange during Grade 11. His personality did seem to undergo a change during that period. He left as a rather quiet, studious, submissive boy -- and returned as a more withdrawn, irritable and independent person. He dropped out of high school in the final year. Although he doesn't report acute OC now, his behavior does generally seem obsessive and driven (he is writing/singing music and trying to develop a rock band). He is often extremely focused on what he is doing and cannot tolerate any distractions. He often has to break something to release stress. He also goes through periods of varying length in which his behavior is incredibly juvenile; laughing and acting stupidly and silly. It is this particular aspect of his behaviour that is hardest to present in words, but it is particularly disturbing/frustrating for his parents.
In spite of all of this, he is not violent towards his family or others; not getting into Trouble; and we are virtually certain no drugs are involved.
Generally, I would like to reach a better understanding of what is going on and identify what if anything can and should be done in connection with treatment.
Regards, /j.
toys999 gave this response on 4/12/2000:
Dear Anonymous,Your 19y.o. son appears creative and motivated.The few clues discerned that may coincide with OCD is the description of "extremely focused" and an "intolerance to distractions". These alone donot classify him as OCD.For example,must he practice exactly 3 hours in the exact manner?If there is a break in routine,must he start from scratch and begin all over again? How many mood swings do you observe? OCD can paralyze ones" creatvity due to the compulsion to repeat behaviors. I will need more precise information in order to answer you adequately. Good Luck and write back.
The average rating for this answer is 5.
Anonymous rated this answer a 5.