Re: My Son and OCD

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Well the good thing is that your son had success working with the OCD before, so

he has that to hold onto as he enters therapy again.

I think most parents feel very hesitant about the medications. I really didn't

want to go this route and resisted and tried everything I could for about three

months. When our son finally did start the medication it started to help right

away, and I felt bad for having waited so long to try it.

We did run into difficulties with medication at higher doses, ours is best on a

lower dose. Unfortunately we found that out the hard way and a couple of years

of big challenges with medications. So, I like to encourage people to go slowly

with the dose increases, so you can see the effects, we found three week

intervals and would go the smallest increase we could (cutting pills into

quarters even). Liquid form gives you the most flexibility.

You can read about medications and dosing at the ocfoundation website.

Our son was explosive too, and it can be very scary and is very upsetting. It

is hard to " stay strong " as you say. I would encourage you to think of being

calm and neutral, not taking any of it personally, but being firm on behavior.

They feel safest to let it all out at home, which is why they will contain it

elsewhere, and then come home and erupt. But it is really important that you

set the boundaries and are firm on this, or it will escalate.

Especially at your son's age, I think they must have shots of testosterone going

through their bodies and they can really get out of control. The teen years can

be really tough with these kids with OCD. I hold a parent support group and

everyone who comes has teens or older - so that tells you something!

The OCD waxes and wanes (increases and decreases), so this fits with your son

being ok sometimes and not others. This is generally the case for most. Since

he learned how to handle it before he just needs help to remember what he needs

to do.

Don't apologize for long emails, they are my specialty! When you are going

through a hard time it can be good to just get stuff out.

Many hugs to you!

Barb

Canada

Son, 19, OCD, LD plus - doing well now for 2 years.

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

> My husband and I have decided that our son, age 13,  needs therapy/medication

> again.  He likes to de-clutter the house in certain areas.  He only does this

in

> our house. He doesn't like papers, misc. items on any of the highly visible

> areas on the coffee tables, counters, etc. Decorative items are okay.  He has

> others symptoms of this condition too (fixated on topics). Unfortunately, he

at

> times, has a short fuse when things don't go his way and I know that it's

> because he has OCD.  I become so sad and scared when he becomes explosive

> towards his family.  I try hard to be strong for my family.  I know my

daughter,

> age 11, is fearful when he has a meltdown.  We sought therapy last year when

it

> began and for a few months the symptoms went away, so with an okay from the

> pshchologist we ended the therapy.  Well, five months ago the symptoms

> returned.  My son likes his school, has friends that he sees regularly, but

the

> moment he enters his house the OCD symptoms emerge.  Some days he doesn't

seemed

> to be too bothered with the clutter and will even say to me that having stuff

> out is okay with him. He wants to get better and thankfully he is trying. He

> began 25 mg of Zoloft three days ago and we found another therapist that has

> experience treating OCD.  I'm nervous to give him medication, but I know he

> needs it.

> I'm sorry for the long email. 

> -

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Along with what Barb said, I'll add that 's OCD really came out at home,

all day/night. But when I was at school with him, picking him up for an appt, I

could see the OCD happening, very subtle (not subtle at home). (his twin)

could see it too. As soon as walked in the door at home, it'd burst

out. Also when out at stores, etc., I could see it, he was holding back. And

if someone was at our home, he could do 'things' that OCD normally wouldn't let

him do, but I'd see the slight hesitations.

had his better days too. We did use inositol powder in middle school,

that worked for him then. Tried it again, more than once, in high school and

since (he's 21 now) and it hasn't helped. He was on Celexa a bit in high

school, it worked really well too. Yeah, I was scared of medication for him at

first too, which is why I tried inositol first. But Celexa worked well and I'd

love for him to go back on it or try another (OCD returned).

OCD differs in people, sounds like it was at the " waning " stage for a few months

with your son. Glad he is willing to do therapy and take medication. Hope the

therapy goes as well this time! Did the same behaviors come back that he had

before? anything new?

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

> My husband and I have decided that our son, age 13,  needs therapy/medication

> again.  He likes to de-clutter the house in certain areas.  He only

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

It is hard when the behaviors are ONLY at home, but from what others have told

me it is not uncommon for that to happen. My son does the same thing though, and

that is why it was a hard and long drawn out decision making process for me to

seek help for him. It was also hard for my extended family and even the " crisis "

team I have called for support to believe anything was happening. For my son, it

turns out his only " triggers " are at home and that is why has happened that way

and continues to happen. Hang in there, others here know how it feels and are

supportive.

Heidi

>

> Hello Everyone,

>

> My husband and I have decided that our son, age 13,  needs therapy/medication

> again.  He likes to de-clutter the house in certain areas.  He only does this

in

> our house.