Question for Parents of Younger Kids

[Guest guest]

My 7-year-old son has " Just Right " OCD and is constantly stepping into and out

of rooms, flicking light switches on and off, doing everything possible to avoid

certain numbers, etc. I don't think he's aware of why he's doing these behaviors

(although his therapist believes it's anxiety-based).

My question is this: If a patient isn't aware of the obsessions (or thoughts)

that require him to perform the compulsions, how effective can CBT be? I don't

dispute that seeing a therapist is a good idea since he does seem to have GAD

and poor self-esteem. But I'm wondering what kind of expectations I should have.

We've had a problem with him taking medication since he's afraid of swallowing

pills, and it doesn't seem to bother him that he's doing these odd behaviors. If

it doesn't bother him, why would he want to take medicine to stop it?

Do I just have to wait until he matures a bit and has the ability to communicate

his thoughts before I expect any kind of success from behavioral therapy?