Well, I am sorry to sound like Dear Abby but I would recommend you go to a professional child psychologist at this stage. That sounds serious. This problem might go away on its own with time and maturity . . . My guess is that it probably will. But it sounds like you and the child are suffering, so why wait for nature to take its course?

As you see, the authors of this article, Kazdin and Rotella, are sensible, low-key people who would not suggest an extreme solution such as drugging the child. You should find someone like that. Perhaps you should ask them for a referral.

This a very good article, by the way. My complements to Drs. K & R.