I need some support!

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Sorry if this is long.

I have really enjoyed being on this list although I apologize that I often

don't have time to read all the emails. It gives me a sense of not being

alone in this when I read how all of you are going through similar things.

Well, now's my turn to turn to you for some help and advice.

Our 12 year old son, Yoni, began seeing a psychiatrist in December 2002 when

his OCD suddenly popped out at us. His issues are now mainly contamination

but he hasn't been to school since November because he couldn't deal with

the kids etc. He was put on meds but never given therapy. He recently did

a psychiatric exam through a psychologist. The psychiatrist has never

referred him for therapy (CBT) and whenever we had appointments, she

insisted my husband and myself stay in the room. Since we are also having

family issues, she thought this was helpful, but in my opinion, how can she

expect to help a child without one on one therapy?

For the last few months, he has refused to get up to go for the appointments

mainly due to the fact that he doesn't feel they are useful and doesn't

really like the psychiatrist. The bottom line is, she refuses to give him

CBT and wants him put in an 'institution' so they can give him his meds and

therapy etc within a controlled environment. Their main problem is that he

hasn't been in school and they think by keeping him there, he will be made

to do what is necessary. I tried to explain to her that if he was given CBT

first, it would probably help and he would then be able to go to school. I

also think he needs different medication than the Zoloft that he has been

taking. It did help slightly at first but now there is no improvement. I

feel like they are accusing us of being unfit parents who can't control

their children. That is farthest from the truth except for not being able

to control Yoni's OCD. I don't think they understand enough despite their

being professionals. So in desperation, I found a private CBT therapist who

will treat children. She is amazing but she is very expensive. But having

no other choice we have opted to go for it and Yoni has had 2 sessions which

I feel are already starting to make an impact.

Tomorrow we are scheduled to take part in a meeting between our son's

psychiatrist, the psychologist who gave him his psychological exam, and our

own private CBT therapist. My husband, myself and Yoni will also be there.

They are trying, basically, to prepare us for their 'decision'. I really

need some ammunition. The CBT therapist will help but I feel I need some

more backup. If I felt in my heart that this was the best thing for our

son, I would let them go ahead, but I don't think it is. For me, it is the

last resort. He hasn't first been given reasonable treatment to be able to

say he is at that point. I think he would feel more like a 'freak' and

'different' than he does already if he is made to go to that type of place.

I am also trying to find a new psychiatrist, but things are going down

around us much too fast. If you have any words of advice or something I

could say to explain my situation, please send it to me ASAP.

Thank you so much is advance.

Lainey