hide the compulsions?

[ibcdbwc]

Thanks for all the other replies. I had and email consult with Dr. K and he believes it is “rather likely” that my son has PANDAS—given the length of time between episodes (which I guess are exacerbations) and the association with strep in the family. We are starting more bloodwork including IG panel…and will follow up via phone with him. So we are on our way…He believes our first issues was at age 5. My son is 10 now. If this all turns out be true, I'll be kicking myself to have not uncovered this for 5 years!

Interestingly he said that NC has the highest incidence of PANDAS. WHY????? On to my question:

 

Can your PANDAS children hide their compulsions? At home, my son will be touching and tapping all over the place when he has an exacerbation.

“Just right” OCD. Or another possible variant--- very hyper and out of control.

 

When he’s with his peers he still with do the touching and tapping—but he tries to disguise and hide the compulsions from his friends and while at school. He’s fairly effective. I notice the “touching” but that is because I’m watching him very closely. For example if he “needs” to touch something a few times with his feet. He will pretend to bend down and look at something—allowing him the extra time to touch his feet until it “feels right.” If he has to turn his head, “he will do so slowly” as if to really be looking at something. With the hyperactivity exacerbation, he is less likely to run full tilt crazy as he does at home—but it manifests itself in incessant talking or aggressiveness. (his peers do notice this).

 

When it’s not a clear exacerbation and he is just baseline/borderline somewhat impulsive or hyper at home—he is able to completely change when a neighbor comes over.

[princess1]

It is very likely that your son is aware that his compulsive behavior is different than his friends and tries to hide it. My daughter does this as well but will be more symptomatic with her family. They are more authentic with family because that is where they are safe. Just remember children watch to see what is socially acceptable and learn from watching others. My daughter at 9yrs old knows that her ocd behavior is not normal and will often cry because she suffers with self esteem because she feels different. Just remember children with Pandas want to fit in too and its just much harder for them.