How do you know if your child has a psychological disorder?

My son is 8 years old and lately he has started confessing every little transgression... to the point of telling me he mistakenly brushed up against my pillows (which he's not allowed to use) or he accidentally stepped on the computer cord. Things like that. Then when I reassure him that it's ok, he asks me several times if I heard him confess. Each time I tell him I did and I KNOW he heard me but he won't stop asking me. It's driving me crazy. I've told him repeatedly he doesn't need to tell on himself for things like this and Ive also told him that I do not need a hearing aid and I heard him just fine. It's like he doesn't believe me. Its gotten so severe that Ive told him if he doesn't stop asking me if I heard him that he's going to the 'thinking chair' (our version of timeout). And despite having to go to timeout, he still wont stop. I don't know if he cant or wont stop. Maybe he's attention seeking? I am beginning to worry about psychological problems like O.C.D. This seems very much like a compulsion.
Has anyone else had a similar issue? Does anyone know if these are symptoms of an underlying problem Any advice is welcome but please, serious mature answers only.

I think he is just seeking more attention or reassurance. You kind of suggest this in your note. Obsessive compulsive personality disorders would manifest earlier than 8 years old. I have a goddaughter who mentioned that she was "tall" for an entire year. That is sometime ago, and she is more like a hippie than an OCDer. In fact, I wish seh did have some disorder to better explain her indifferent attitude. But, contrast, I am of the opinion that your "thinking chair" is revealing of a serious minded parent who has son who has simply thought of this vehicle "confessions" to gain attention he would still like. Remember he is 8. But, he is also 12 and 4 years old in some arenas of his life. Maybe, he will be entering spelling test year of school this fall? He can get a pat on the back by spelling all the words correctly. I really think your concern is a little premature. He is just a bit "full of himself" and has a creative mind for making his "transgressions" into very important matters to be discussed. Give him a few weeks and a return to school to become his old self.

No, I certainly wouldn't classify his behaviour as a disorder. Something tells me that there's a deeper transgression he's committed that he's afraid to tell you about. Sit down with him over milk and cookies when he's feeling good and have a chat with him. Ask him if there's something else he'd like to tell you. Reassure him that everything will be fine. No punishment. That's my intuitive feeling about this problem.

Probably just for the attention. It seems like he is trying to annoy you, on purpose! Just my thought: It's summer and he's probably not as busy as he used to be during school so he's trying to find some entertainment...and you're it. My son is 8 and he's trying little annoying tricks on me as well. There is also something called ODD oppositional defiant disorder, which my son has, and this could fit into one of the categories. I'd suggest to look at all this activities in several different locations (school, home, play-time) and read the book "My Defiant Child". Great tips for all children actually!! Best of luck.

Hi,
could be many things.
he could have gotten some idea about confession and hell and has it sort of mixed up in his mind.
he could have seen something on tv.
he could have a guilty conscience about something that he is unclear of and thinks that by telling you everything it will help somehow.
he may be looking for some sort of approval from you based on some idea he got somewhere.
he may be in an unconditional love seeking phase, wanting to know that you will love him no matter what he does.
have you asked him? ask him why he wants to tell you everything that he does. why is it important for him to tell you every mistake he makes.
you could ask his teachers if he is doing this at school - ask them all, they may have an idea how this started.
you could talk to the headmaster or school psychologist to see if they have any advice or thoughts.
you could consult a child psychologist and see what they have to offer.
try not to become exasperated with him. maybe try to reward him somehow when he does polite or thoughtful things, maybe give him praise and smiles.
if it is somehow religion-related, perhaps you could find a priest or sunday school teacher who would be ready, willing, and able to discuss the purpose of confession - without threatening him with hell.
sorry, that's all i got.
i say talk to him, really try to understand how he feels, the whys, the hows, and what he wants from you. talk to the teachers, and take it from there.
Best Wishes