My younger sister

    • My younger sister

      I'm getting really concerned about her. She's 9 years old, and already has severe anxiety. My mom and I think she has anxiety neurosis, due to her OCD-like behavior (but she's not OCD, she doesn't do things like clean just to clean, she does it because she thinks our floors are poisoned or something like that) and her anxiety.

      There are many different specific forms of neurosis: pyromania, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety neurosis, hysteria (in which anxiety may be discharged through a physical symptom), and a nearly endless variety of phobias. According to Dr. George Boeree, effects of neurosis can involve:
      ...anxiety, sadness or depression, anger, irritability, mental confusion, low sense of self-worth, etc., behavioral symptoms such as phobic avoidance, vigilance, impulsive and compulsive acts, lethargy, etc., cognitive problems such as unpleasant or disturbing thoughts, repetition of thoughts and obsession, habitual fantasizing, negativity and cynicism, etc. Interpersonally, neurosis involves dependency, aggressiveness, perfectionism, schizoid isolation, socio-culturally inappropriate behaviors, etc.


      She's also starting to show signs of depression. My mom is unsure about taking her to our family doctor, and she doesn't want Elizabeth (my sister) on medication. I've suggested taking her into my next therapy session, and having my therapist talk to her a little bit, so we can get my therapist's opinion (if we should take Elle to our doctor, or if we should start her on therapy, but my mom isn't sure about that idea either. I'm concerned about my mom's uncertainty - she's done it with my anxiety/depression, and it resulted in it being much worse.

      I just want to know what I can do to help, or things I can suggest to my mom. I'm so worried about Elizabeth, and it's so worrying that a 9 year old has all of these issues.
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      Dr.Carter;2785725 wrote:

      The only thing worse than a smart-ass is a dumb smart-ass.
    • Re: My younger sister

      My cousin (age 8) has a condition very similar to this. He was diagnosed with some form on neurosis by a specialist (not entirely sure what his specific condition is). I remember he was showing symptoms of depression, and had a great number of phobia's. All I can recommend is that whatever you do, don't hesitate to have your sister see someone. Neurosis can manifest itself in many ways, all of them negative. This is almost word for word what the specialist my cousin went to said. If there is a problem, it's better to have it diagnosed, and you should tell your mom that.
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    • Re: My younger sister

      Okay, I'll make sure I tell my mom that she needs to be diagnosed. I'll tell her I'm concerned and that I think the best step is to get her diagnosed right away.
      [COLOR="Green"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]To make my dreams come true. To protect the ones I love. And to keep fighting.
      The star inside my heart... please keep on shining strong and bring me power![/FONT][/COLOR]

      Dr.Carter;2785725 wrote:

      The only thing worse than a smart-ass is a dumb smart-ass.
    • Re: My younger sister

      Agreed. Things like this are best looked after earlier rather than later. If you can convince your mom to allow your sister into a therapy session with you, I think that would be a good step forward into seeing if something is wrong.

      As you said, your mother is being hesitant. Point that out to her and that you know what needs to be done. Once you convince your mother something could be wrong wither her child, and that she needs to be looked at to see if she needs help, I'm sure she won't be as hesitant.

      So far you seem to have a good plan to helping her. Now all you need to do is get your mother on board.
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