Since quarantine began my 8 yr old daughter has exhibited some weird behaviors. She is obsessed with the house being neat and in order and is hysterical if things are left out on counters etc. Recently since camp has started she has worried about drinking enough water so is drinking a lot but also going to the bathroom for trips to pee non stop. My husband and I wonder if we should worry or get help for her as long as her social and academic life don’t suffer because of any obsession. What do you think. Should we see a dr?
She's just stressed out by the pandemic. I know adults that are acting much stranger than this.
Yes, although she never expresses concern about the pandemic, Im
sure it is affecting her and she doesn’t even realize it. She has always been anxious in general.
Sounds like anxiety. A doctor will probably recommend a counselor. can she be in nature? What active things does she like? Look into the “be calm” app. I teach in public and we would use the “be calm” app to help kids navigate negative thoughts/behaviors and anxiety.
Thank you! Yes she has always been an anxious child. I didn’t realize anxiety could result in wanting the house neat though! She has been doing day camp for 3 weeks and some tennis clinics so she is out and about and socializing. Hopefully when school and activities start up again , even if half day, that will help.
Being very neat and organized is not OCD. But becoming "hysterical" when things are out of place definitely could be. Same with the drinking -- staying hydrated in the summer is not OCD. But drinking water obsessively to the point where it interferes with your daily functioning could be. I would seek an evaluation. Stress and anxiety can play a role in exacerbating OCD tendencies, and there are also a lot of common co-morbidities (like generalized anxiety disorder). She's only 8, so I would address this before it gets out of control.
Thank you!
I know of elementary students who’ve developed anxiety, depression, aggression and OCD as a result of home confinement, loss of social connections, school, etc. I’d have her evaluated and get her life back to actual normal as much as possible.
Thanks! she has been at a day camp for the past few weeks so that is helping to normalize things for her. I will still talk to a professional about her behavior.
What happened with this?