Guest guest Posted September 2, 2009 Report Share Posted September 2, 2009 I have a 13 year old who most likely has OCD. We (collectively) calmed things down a few years ago using the March book " Talking back to OCD " . His symptoms started to flare again during the late spring and early summer, so we're now working our way through that book again. I'm interested in hearing about families' experiences in dealing with OCD flares. Is there some kind of preventative work he can be doing to head off flares? (In retrospect, we should have been on top of this more quickly this spring.) Can you ever assume that OCD is gone completely--or is it always something to watch for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 Hi! Well I guess your son isn't on medication since OCD had been calm for a while. But when was on inositol and later Celexa, I would increase the dose a bit when his OCD seemed worse or if I knew something was coming up that he would get anxious about (like the school year starting). With no medication, well, I just try to keep alert of what all is going on currently (good or bad, even excitement could increase it sometimes for ) and " watch " for any OCD increase, try to keep things calm/laid-back around home, etc. I think since was so severe with OCD, it's something that I know I will always watch for and he's 20 now. That's good that your son used the March book and knows the " tools " he has previously used, something he can fall back on when he notices a bit of a " spike " or returning of OCD, etc. Quick thoughts, > > I have a 13 year old who most likely has OCD. We (collectively) calmed things down a few years ago using the March book " Talking back to OCD " . His symptoms started to flare again during the late spring and early summer, so we're now working our way through that book again. I'm interested in hearing about families' experiences in dealing with OCD flares. Is there some kind of preventative work he can be doing to head off flares? (In retrospect, we should have been on top of this more quickly this spring.) Can you ever assume that OCD is gone completely--or is it always something to watch for? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 I asked our son's therapist about that very thing. He said it is a lifelong condition. I think for some, who have it mildly, they can improve to the point that it isn't as bothersome for them, but for others, like our son, who is more severe, it is something he will always contend with. I've found though, over the years, with some maturity, he's learned to cope with it better. When he was young, he just wanted to wish it away. . Didn't we all though. <:o/ So many things can be predictable, with OCD and it flaring, yet sometimes it's a mystery what sets it off. And other times, I've been sure something is going to set him off, yet as I'm bracing for it, he takes it in stride. lol Go figure. If your son is unable to get it back under control with the ERP, is the assist of medication, or even something natural (inositol, or supplements) an option? I think it can be incredibly hard to head off flares, because, for us, sometimes the OCD manifests itself in a brand new way, out of the blue. Can't predict that. The joy of ERP is that if they are able to recognize it right away as OCD, then address it, they can fight it and hopefully keep it from growing out of control. BJ > > I have a 13 year old who most likely has OCD. We (collectively) calmed things down a few years ago using the March book " Talking back to OCD " . His symptoms started to flare again during the late spring and early summer, so we're now working our way through that book again. I'm interested in hearing about families' experiences in dealing with OCD flares. Is there some kind of preventative work he can be doing to head off flares? (In retrospect, we should have been on top of this more quickly this spring.) Can you ever assume that OCD is gone completely--or is it always something to watch for? > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 > > > > I have a 13 year old who most likely has OCD. We (collectively) calmed things down a few years ago using the March book " Talking back to OCD " . His symptoms started to flare again during the late spring and early summer, so we're now working our way through that book again. I'm interested in hearing about families' experiences in dealing with OCD flares. Is there some kind of preventative work he can be doing to head off flares? (In retrospect, we should have been on top of this more quickly this spring.) Can you ever assume that OCD is gone completely--or is it always something to watch for? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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