Hello, I was wondering how many of you have done meds for your children for their anxiety? My son has always had anxiety/nervousness issues. We've tried the natural med route, counseling, breathing exercises, etc. Most of the time he just collapses into a ball of crying mush on the couch b/c his anxiety creates such fear in his mind and he just gets so overwhelmed that he can't control it.

I hate to see him like this but I'm so uncertain about using meds. His little brain just isn't fully developed and I keep thinking that I should put it off. We see all forms of anxiety here so he's been diagnosed with GAD. OCD type stuff like intrusive thoughts, separation anxiety, fear of restaurants, stranger anxiety, performance anxiety for sports, the list goes on..... Anyway, I'm looking to find out more about meds and how doctors use them for children. And, if I put him on meds will he be on meds the rest of his life?

Also, he has a tic disorder(non-Tourettes) mostly facial tics and he has some Learning Disabilities too. We homeschool and he's very involved in competitive tennis and also enjoys golfing, biking, etc.

Thanks! B

Have you taken him to church. This may do wonders for him. A full Gospel church where the pastor talks about the Bible in balance may help him. BF

Well, one of his issues was with religion. He would have terrifying intrusive thoughts about hell, about his salvation, and about God. It was awful. He also had issues with the children's church b/c there were so many kids and there were different kids each week(we attended a mega church). So, we stopped going to church recently and his intrusive thoughts about religious stuff have cleared up. We still pray at home and God is a daily part of our lives, but we've just temporarily stopped going to church until I can find a better solution!

I understand. I've been through alot of that my self. My heart goes out to your family. BF

Hi,

Anxiety Disorders in Children and Teens
ttp://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/FocusOn/Children&Adolescents.asp

It might be beneficial to get a consult from a psychiatrist to find out mediation options -- whether or not you want to go down that road. Information is often useful.


M.

Hello again. I'm concerned about your son. He's very young to have intrusive thoughts,and panics. I was 13 when I had my big panic attack that changed my life. Then I got better,and went to a Military School because I have a number of learning disorders. Those learning disorders I think where the OCD disorders getting started. Then I had a panic attack in the mess hall where we eat,and I was never the same again.

Please get him professional help as soon as possible. It doesn't sound like a phase that he's going through. It sounds like panic disorder,and possibly the beginnings of OCD. I'm not sure. My heart goes out to you,for I know that your son is very scared,and confused.

Biochemical factors may be involved. BF (Steve)

Hi, Brokenfriend, we have found counseling for our son and he has a doctor who sees him on a regular basis. We are going back to the counselor next week and we may get him to a psychiatrist to investigate meds soon.

On the topic of age: I know many people whose children have intrusive thoughts and OCD rituals as young as the age of 6 or 7. I have a good Christian friend who has had OCD since she can remember(around 7 or 8 years old) and she said she had both intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals and behaviors as a child, but she never resorted to meds. She made it through and now is battling these things with her children but she's so well-equipped b/c she has been there herself.

Oh, and I wanted to also say that my son is a great kid who is happy 90% of the time. It's just those few anxiety moments in his day(or every other day) that really over shadow the normalcy of his life. Honestly, you'd never know he's a nervous kid unless I told you ahead of time, LOL!

I see. It sounds like you are doing all the right things.

I had OCD before the public knew anything about OCD. I developed panic attacks before the public knew anything about Panic Disorder. It was a real problem for my parents,and they didn't know what was going on. It put my young life into confusion. I'm trying not to say my age. LOL LOL

Please keep me posted,and I wish you all my best. BF

Hi there,

I just read what you had written a while back. I wanted to ask you how things are now. I have a son that is 12 that has developed OCD. He is also ADHD and has an IEP in school. So... a lot going on. Just wanted to see what you have found helps your son.

Thanks!

Karin