“How do I help my adult daughter?”
My daughter is 41, lives with me and my 40 year old son. I don't know where to begin. She is very afraid of germs, sees them everywhere, and thinks them extremely harmful. She won't do much of anything for herself, won't fix food, laundry. She complains about the bathroom every time she uses it. Uses lots of toilet paper. Says she feels wet no matter how much she wipes herself. Every time we find a solution to a problem she finds another one or ignores our solution.
Female | 41 years old
4 Answers
Hello Madam,
Sorry to hear that your daughter is suffering and as a result you are also suffering. It sounds like she may have a germ phobia and needs to consult a licensed psychologist for the help she needs. Regarding her not cooking food, nor doing her laundry for herself, then how is she surviving? Are you providing her with the services of cooking, cleaning bathrooms, and washing her clothes for her? Or is her brother doing those things for her? Who is allowing her to use them for her needs when she is 41 years old? As those things are not clear, I do not know who is enabling her. So, my suggestion is to have her contact a licensed psychologist and a psychiatrist (in case she needs medicine) for her to get to the roots of her problems and solve them so she can live independently. Also, you may want to contact a licensed psychologist for the help that you need. What state are you in? I am licensed in Florida, Indiana and Illinois.
Take care and remain safe.
Dr. Lata Sonpal
Sorry to hear that your daughter is suffering and as a result you are also suffering. It sounds like she may have a germ phobia and needs to consult a licensed psychologist for the help she needs. Regarding her not cooking food, nor doing her laundry for herself, then how is she surviving? Are you providing her with the services of cooking, cleaning bathrooms, and washing her clothes for her? Or is her brother doing those things for her? Who is allowing her to use them for her needs when she is 41 years old? As those things are not clear, I do not know who is enabling her. So, my suggestion is to have her contact a licensed psychologist and a psychiatrist (in case she needs medicine) for her to get to the roots of her problems and solve them so she can live independently. Also, you may want to contact a licensed psychologist for the help that you need. What state are you in? I am licensed in Florida, Indiana and Illinois.
Take care and remain safe.
Dr. Lata Sonpal
She may have a chemical imbalance. You need to take her to the doctor and have tests run. She may need psychological help if the tests are clear.
See this link...
https://www.verywellmind.com/list-of-phobias-2795453
Also a good self-help resource is Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Bourne 7th edition.
Consider having her see a MH professional experienced in dealing with phobias.
https://www.verywellmind.com/list-of-phobias-2795453
Also a good self-help resource is Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Bourne 7th edition.
Consider having her see a MH professional experienced in dealing with phobias.
Hello,
Has your daughter ever had complete psych testing? That is what I would recommend. You can get a referral to a neuro psych testing specialist from your primary care or from a hospital, especially one with academic connections. The results of such an evaluation will make it possible to decide what is best going forward.
Good luck!
Peace,
Dr. Marian Shapiro
Has your daughter ever had complete psych testing? That is what I would recommend. You can get a referral to a neuro psych testing specialist from your primary care or from a hospital, especially one with academic connections. The results of such an evaluation will make it possible to decide what is best going forward.
Good luck!
Peace,
Dr. Marian Shapiro
