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 He left as a rather quiet, studious, submissive boy -- and returned as a more withdrawn, irritable and independent person.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.

Liveagain gave this response on 4/9/2000:

Your son is on the brink of a nervous breakdown. He is displaying signs of multiply personalities. You don't know what happened when he was away from home. Something might have happened to set this off. Also, he might have a chemical imbalance which is I've been told by many professionals that if this is the case, it's really going to kick in aroung the age of 18 or 19 and this is what causes the nervous breakdown. The distruction of personal property could actually go a step farther into violence against people. He is showing signs of some changes going on with his personality. You need to get him to a Christian therapist as soon as possible to get him back on the right track before it's too late. There is no law that will help you get your son the help he needs should it progress into something more destructive than it already is because he is over the age of 18. Make all of the personality changes apparent to him and make him go. Discuss everything with the Dr. that you choose before you take him in for counseling. I can't stress the importance of getting him in now before it's taken out of your hands. This can be one of the most heart breaking things you might ever have to deal with in your life if he refuses treatment. Statics have proven that 90% of all homeless people are people who have such severe mental problems that no one can live with them. Without treatment, I can assure you that this problem is only going to get worse. He is not behaving like his normal self which is an indicator that he is going through changes within his own system that is out of his control. If you and your husband don't do something quick, it will be out of your control as well. May God help you and be with you with what your facing.

The average rating for this answer is 3.5.

Anonymous rated this answer a 4.