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Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old has OCD

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Posted
Posted

Hi Judy

 

Everyone here is great and has a ton of info for you that will help.

 

I will tell you that my daughter just turned 8 in Feb. we always knew that she

had OCD. We were fortunate enough to be able to put her in a " study " that was 2

visits a week for 6 weeks for Exposure Response Therapy. She is a different

person now, she has only been out of therapy 2 weeks but she is wearing the

clothes she never would, she actually put her hand in 8 public toilets in one

day as part of her " contamination " ERT and she is so proud she even told her

friends!  I could go on and on about the things she was able to overcome but it

wasnt easy.

 

I also have a daughter who is 12 and she has " just Right ocd " for instance she

wouldnt open the front door because she would have to use both hands or it

wouldnt feel right...well our doorknob cant fit both hands so she didnt open the

door for over a year. We didnt realize most of her OCD we just considered her

uptight and quirky! Well it all hit the fan in August when she was 11. She

couldnt manage the compulsions anymore, she admitted to us everything. She is

now on Medication, she gets ERT and the road is much harder for her.

 

Now I dont know if she had the therapy when she was 7 if it would have made a

difference, I think it is different for everyone. But I would take her for some

help and try to get a handle on what is happening now.

 

Subject: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old has

OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:52 PM

 

Hi -

I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping to

get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent with

OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

or frets over:

Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

huge tantrum

Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

can't help herself.

Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

thinks everything

is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says she

is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

Any insights would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Judy 

jmnobida@...

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Posted
Posted

Hi Judy, welcome!

Well it certainly sounds OCD to me. I recommend you look at the OCD Foundation

website, if you haven't yet. It will explain about the therapy for OCD and it

also covers meds for OCD that children can take, if it's felt they are needed.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure & Response (or ritual)

Prevention (ERP) is what is used to treat OCD. (CBT with ERP) CBT is used to

treat other mental illnesses also, but you need CBT that is for OCD, so you want

to hear from a therapist that they have experience treating OCD and that they

also use ERP. The OCDF website is:

http://ocfoundation.org

There's a " search " function at the OCDF site too, can search by location for any

help in your area for OCD. But it only lists those who " ask " to be listed

there, so don't lose hope if you don't see someone close to you listed.

Some of what you mentioned - the clothes - isn't uncommon with OCD either. And

you can treat that with ERP. But a lot of kids with OCD do seem to have some

sensory issues and it could be due to that too. Occupational Therapy (OT) can

also help with sensory issues. You can google about sensory processing, but

here's one site I just pulled up:

http://www.sensory-processing-disorder.com/sensory-processing-disorder-checklist\

..html

One of my sons did have some clothing issues when young, but, luckily for me,

somehow got past them. Although, he still " shivers " occasionally with the feel

of certain materials. But I had a difficult time finding clothing for him to

wear at one time. And even before that, he had to have his shoes tied " tight

enough " and other stuff. And this isn't my OCD son either, lol.

My OCD son had some different sensory issues when young. No clothing stuff

though.

Glad you found our group,

single mom, 3 sons

, 22, with OCD, dysgraphia and Aspergers

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

with

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

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Posted
Posted

, happy to hear such good news about how well your dd8 is doing after that

therapy, and really came a long way in a short time too! And I bet I'm not the

only one to feel " OCDy " about the thought of putting my own hand down public

toilets!! I'm sure her friends did too. Pat your dd on the back for me!

>

> Hi Judy

>  

> Everyone here is great and has a ton of info for you that will help.

>  

> I will tell you that my daughter just turned 8 in Feb. we always knew that she

had OCD. We were fortunate enough to be able to put her in a " study " that was 2

visits a week for 6 weeks for Exposure Response Therapy. She is a different

person now, she has only been out of therapy 2 weeks but she is wearing the

clothes she never would, she actually put her hand in 8 public toilets in one

day as part of her " contamination " ERT and she is so proud she even told her

friends!  I could go on and on about the things she was able to overcome but it

wasnt easy.

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Posted
Posted

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through

the same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

with

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

>

>

> Thank you,

>

>

>

> Judy 

>

> jmnobida@...

>

>

>

>

>

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Posted
Posted

Thanks so much , and BJ for your responses. I have thought for

sometime that it might be OCD, but everyone has always been telling me that I'm

over-reacting about things and that these issues are developmental and she would

mature out of them or it was a parenting issue! I guess the only way to know is

to have her evaluated now and it sounds like if she has OCD, then it's better to

do something sooner than later.

I did want to clarify that my daughter has outgrown most of the clothes issues

although I guess she still has sensory issues with the feel of her shoe tongue

having to be just right. She's also over the exact placement/order issue. I

would say the main thing she has been obsessing about within the past year is

the perfectionist thing and the germ/contamination issue. Is it typical to have

different obsessions that one cycles through?

As for the hive thing, she has had skin allergies/eczema in the past which is

now much much better. However there was a period when she had been sick with a

virus about 6-8 months ago that caused her to have hives. While she was still

getting over the virus,she got really upset to the point of hysterics, and the

hives appeared again. When she calmed down they recessed. Since then I've

noticed when she's crying and in hysterics the hives come back a little. I would

say they're stress induced.

My daughter has also been monitored for IgAN which is a chronic kidney disease

and also an auto immune mediated disease (yes when it rains it pours). There is

still a lot they don't know about the disease and she hasn't been officially

diagnosed - a kidney biopsy is needed for this, but the Nephrologist said it's

highly likely as we ran other test and ruled out most other likely diseases.

Anyways I wonder if this has anything to do with PANDAS. I haven't had a chance

to look into this. If anyone has anything to share about PANDAS, please chime

in.

Thanks!

Judy

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

 

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through

the same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

with

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

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Posted
Posted

Hi

My son 8 - was recently [ In Feb 2011 ] diagnosed with OCD by a child

pscyhiatrist.

In hindsight it was probably there even a year before and we totally missed it.

I am no expert here but what you mention sounds like OCD symptoms. The sooner

you start helping your child the better. There is no harm.

I am specifically talking only about CBT through ERP. These have helped my son

tremendously.

He feels a HUGE relief from knowing that this a disorder…like any other

illness and needs to be fixed.

Reading " What to do when your brain gets stuck " a kids guide to OCD has been

very helpful for him.

It has created awareness for him. There are times he will say " Oh, this is an

OCD, I need to stop! "

Although things are going well I cant help but feel that it could have helped

him a lot more if only we had seen this earlier.

I urge you to get started. It is easier now.

Good luck!

Anu

Hi Judy

Everyone here is great and has a ton of info for you that will help.

I will tell you that my daughter just turned 8 in Feb. we always knew that she

had OCD. We were fortunate enough to be able to put her in a " study " that was 2

visits a week for 6 weeks for Exposure Response Therapy. She is a different

person now, she has only been out of therapy 2 weeks but she is wearing the

clothes she never would, she actually put her hand in 8 public toilets in one

day as part of her " contamination " ERT and she is so proud she even told her

friends! I could go on and on about the things she was able to overcome but it

wasnt easy.

I also have a daughter who is 12 and she has " just Right ocd " for instance she

wouldnt open the front door because she would have to use both hands or it

wouldnt feel right...well our doorknob cant fit both hands so she didnt open the

door for over a year. We didnt realize most of her OCD we just considered her

uptight and quirky! Well it all hit the fan in August when she was 11. She

couldnt manage the compulsions anymore, she admitted to us everything. She is

now on Medication, she gets ERT and the road is much harder for her.

Now I dont know if she had the therapy when she was 7 if it would have made a

difference, I think it is different for everyone. But I would take her for some

help and try to get a handle on what is happening now.

Subject: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old has

OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:52 PM

Hi -

I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping to

get some feedback from the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent with

OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

or frets over:

Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

huge tantrum

Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

out in hivesFor a period, she said she thinking mean thoughts of me and

can't help herself.

Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

thinks everything

is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says she

is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

effect the overall outcome? Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

Any insights would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Judy

jmnobida@...

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Posted
Posted

Hi Judy,

 

It is interesting about your daughter and the auto immune disorder that you

mentioned. The center where we take both of my daughter for their OCD treatment

have been doing studies and believe that OCD is more prevalent in people with

auto immune diseases........the interesting thing is that I have three daughters

and this is their medical situation....

 

Sara 12 years old

Common Variable Immune deficinecy (not autoimmune, but immune system related)

Hashimotos Thyroiditis (autoimmune)

Alopecia Areata (autoimmune)

OCD

 

8 years old

Common Variable Immune Deficiency

Crohns disease (autoimmune)

Arthralgia/arthritis (autoimmune)

Irritable Bowel

OCD

 

Casey 10 years old

Common Variable Immune deficiency

 

 

And yes the compulsions in my girls seems to change but there were a few that

were constant. My youngest daughters therapist said to her " if going againt the

" thought " makes you cry then it is OCD. She was trying to teach her how to

determine what behavior is OCD and what isnt....this is an easy way to remember

when I am just at my wits end trying to decide how to handle a situation...at

some point you just dont know what is " normal "

 

 

 

So my personal opinion is that in my family the kids with more auto immune

issues have the OCD. This could be a coincidence but it does seem to go along

with what they told us at the center. Just some useless information for you! lol

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

 

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through the

same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

with

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

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Posted
Posted

I agree that there is a connection with autoimmune diseases and OCD in many

cases.. Celiac disease is also an autoimmune disease, which is what we deal with

here.  PANDAS is also an autoimmune issue.  Everyone needs to be their child's

expert and get to the bottom of what is fueling behaviors for their child!

Misty

________________________________

To:

Sent: Thu, March 31, 2011 8:47:14 AM

Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

old has OCD

 

Hi Judy,

 

It is interesting about your daughter and the auto immune disorder that you

mentioned. The center where we take both of my daughter for their OCD treatment

have been doing studies and believe that OCD is more prevalent in people with

auto immune diseases........the interesting thing is that I have three daughters

and this is their medical situation....

 

Sara 12 years old

Common Variable Immune deficinecy (not autoimmune, but immune system related)

Hashimotos Thyroiditis (autoimmune)

Alopecia Areata (autoimmune)

OCD

 

8 years old

Common Variable Immune Deficiency

Crohns disease (autoimmune)

Arthralgia/arthritis (autoimmune)

Irritable Bowel

OCD

 

Casey 10 years old

Common Variable Immune deficiency

 

 

And yes the compulsions in my girls seems to change but there were a few that

were constant. My youngest daughters therapist said to her " if going againt the

" thought " makes you cry then it is OCD. She was trying to teach her how to

determine what behavior is OCD and what isnt....this is an easy way to remember

when I am just at my wits end trying to decide how to handle a situation...at

some point you just dont know what is " normal "

 

 

 

So my personal opinion is that in my family the kids with more auto immune

issues have the OCD. This could be a coincidence but it does seem to go along

with what they told us at the center. Just some useless information for you! lol

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

 

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through the

same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

>to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

>with

>

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

>thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

>she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

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Posted
Posted

Hi Misty,  Thank you for the link reminder of autoimmune disease and OCD.  An

additional

                thought I would like to contribute in my family,

FOOD

sensitivity is a big concern.

                My first son has OCD .  While my second son

didnt test for

celiac, no OCD but ADD

                and his food sensitivities (diary, gluten - all

grains except

corn and rice and red meat, caffiene)

                His autoimmune condition was nephrosis due to the

Red meat in

his diet.  The cure for

                him was not the medicine but taking the meat and

caffiene out of

his diet.  What a difference.

________________________________

To:

Sent: Thu, March 31, 2011 11:15:41 AM

Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

old has OCD

 

I agree that there is a connection with autoimmune diseases and OCD in many

cases.. Celiac disease is also an autoimmune disease, which is what we deal with

here.  PANDAS is also an autoimmune issue.  Everyone needs to be their child's

expert and get to the bottom of what is fueling behaviors for their child!

Misty

________________________________

To:

Sent: Thu, March 31, 2011 8:47:14 AM

Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

old has OCD

 

Hi Judy,

 

It is interesting about your daughter and the auto immune disorder that you

mentioned. The center where we take both of my daughter for their OCD treatment

have been doing studies and believe that OCD is more prevalent in people with

auto immune diseases........the interesting thing is that I have three daughters

and this is their medical situation....

 

Sara 12 years old

Common Variable Immune deficinecy (not autoimmune, but immune system related)

Hashimotos Thyroiditis (autoimmune)

Alopecia Areata (autoimmune)

OCD

 

8 years old

Common Variable Immune Deficiency

Crohns disease (autoimmune)

Arthralgia/arthritis (autoimmune)

Irritable Bowel

OCD

 

Casey 10 years old

Common Variable Immune deficiency

 

 

And yes the compulsions in my girls seems to change but there were a few that

were constant. My youngest daughters therapist said to her " if going againt the

" thought " makes you cry then it is OCD. She was trying to teach her how to

determine what behavior is OCD and what isnt....this is an easy way to remember

when I am just at my wits end trying to decide how to handle a situation...at

some point you just dont know what is " normal "

 

 

 

So my personal opinion is that in my family the kids with more auto immune

issues have the OCD. This could be a coincidence but it does seem to go along

with what they told us at the center. Just some useless information for you! lol

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

 

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through the

same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

>to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

>with

>

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

>thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

>she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

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Posted
Posted

Hi Judy, yes the OCD can change over time (or days). And some things stick

around for the long haul! Glad she's got past a lot of the earlier stuff. You

may want to look into PANDAS/PITANDS more since you mentioned virus and other

auto-immune problems. Doesn't mean it *is* but would be good to rule it " in or

out. " Did you have a chance yet to read the PANDAS info in our FILES section?

Do you give her Benedryl when she gets the hives?

>

> Thanks so much , and BJ for your responses. I have thought for

sometime that it might be OCD, but everyone has always been telling me that I'm

over-reacting about things and that these issues are developmental and she would

mature out of them or it was a parenting issue! I guess the only way to know is

to have her evaluated now and it sounds like if she has OCD, then it's better to

do something sooner than later.

>

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Posted
Posted

Hi Judy,

Others have covered the main points, I just wanted to say welcome to the group -

not a group you ever really want to join, but this is a great group for

information and support none the less!

Warmly,

Barb

Canada

Son, 19, OCD, Autism Spectrum - doing well for 2 1/2 years.

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

with

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

>

>

> Thank you,

>

>

>

> Judy 

>

> jmnobida@...

>

>

>

>

>

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Guest guest

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Posted
Posted

That's amazing ! How did you figure out it was meat? My kids can't have

gluten or dairy either.

Misty

>Hi Misty,  Thank you for the link reminder of autoimmune disease and OCD.  An

>additional

>                thought I would like to contribute in my family, FOOD

>sensitivity is a big concern.

>

>                My first son has OCD .  While my second son didnt test for

>celiac, no OCD but ADD

>                and his food sensitivities (diary, gluten - all grains except

>corn and rice and red meat, caffiene)

>                His autoimmune condition was nephrosis due to the Red meat in

>his diet.  The cure for

>                him was not the medicine but taking the meat and caffiene out

of

>his diet.  What a difference.

>

>

>

>

>

>________________________________

>

>To:

>Sent: Thu, March 31, 2011 11:15:41 AM

>Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

>old has OCD

>

> 

>I agree that there is a connection with autoimmune diseases and OCD in many

>cases.. Celiac disease is also an autoimmune disease, which is what we deal

with

>

>here.  PANDAS is also an autoimmune issue.  Everyone needs to be their child's

>expert and get to the bottom of what is fueling behaviors for their child!

>

>Misty

>

>________________________________

>

>To:

>Sent: Thu, March 31, 2011 8:47:14 AM

>Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

>old has OCD

>

> 

>Hi Judy,

> 

>It is interesting about your daughter and the auto immune disorder that you

>mentioned. The center where we take both of my daughter for their OCD treatment

>have been doing studies and believe that OCD is more prevalent in people with

>auto immune diseases........the interesting thing is that I have three

daughters

>

>and this is their medical situation....

> 

>Sara 12 years old

>Common Variable Immune deficinecy (not autoimmune, but immune system related)

>Hashimotos Thyroiditis (autoimmune)

>Alopecia Areata (autoimmune)

>OCD

>

> 

> 8 years old

>Common Variable Immune Deficiency

>Crohns disease (autoimmune)

>Arthralgia/arthritis (autoimmune)

>Irritable Bowel

>OCD

> 

>Casey 10 years old

>Common Variable Immune deficiency

> 

> 

>And yes the compulsions in my girls seems to change but there were a few that

>were constant. My youngest daughters therapist said to her " if going againt

the

>

> " thought " makes you cry then it is OCD. She was trying to teach her how to

>determine what behavior is OCD and what isnt....this is an easy way to remember

>when I am just at my wits end trying to decide how to handle a situation...at

>some point you just dont know what is " normal "

> 

>

> 

> 

>So my personal opinion is that in my family the kids with more auto immune

>issues have the OCD. This could be a coincidence but it does seem to go along

>with what they told us at the center. Just some useless information for you!

lol

>

>

>

>Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

>has OCD

>To:

>Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

>

> 

>

>Welcome to the group, Judy.

>

>Sure sounds like OCD.

>

>Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

>the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

>using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

>therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

>

>A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

>psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

>typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

>any meds, IF they are needed.

>

>Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

>didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

>to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

>info on how that is treated.

>

>It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

>stress induced?

>

>Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through

the

>

>same here.

>

>BJ

>

>

>

>>

>

>> Hi -

>

>>

>

>>

>

>>

>

>> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

>>to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

>>with

>>

>

>> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

>

>> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

>

>> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

>

>> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

>>

>

>> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

>

>> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

>

>> or frets over:

>

>>

>

>>

>

>> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

>

>> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

>

>> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

>

>> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

>

>> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

>

>> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

>

>> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

>

>> huge tantrum

>

>> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

>

>> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

>

>> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

>

>> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

>

>> can't help herself.

>

>> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

>>thinks everything

>

>> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

>

>> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

>

>> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

>

>> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

>>she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

>>

>

>> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

>

>> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

>

>> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

>

>> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>>

>

>>

>

>>

>

>> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

>>

>

>> Thank you,

>

>>

>

>>

>

>

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Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

Hi Misty,     It took me 4 years to understand it was his diet.   The

first

symptom after several years,

                   because he was not always consistent when

the disease would

come back, was stomach

                   cramps.   Then I read some books and

listened to several

alternative talk radio shows

                   on health in the 1990's.  The key concept

was that kidneys

should only take about 40grms

                   daily for protein digestion.  I realized

for , my son

who started this disease at 4 years

                    old that maybe the red meat which has the

most protein per

gram was too much for his

                   kidneys.  It was a slow buildup that

sometimes took weeks

before he would complain

                   about stomach cramps.  The kidney

specialist was no help when

I would quiz him about

                   the diet being the cause.  My son also is

sensitive to MSG

which he could give him a

                   seizure and severe headaches and stomach

cramps 3-5 hrs.

after he digests it.

                   Therefore he is very careful when he eats

out at

restaurants.  Thank you for asking. 

________________________________

To:

Sent: Thu, March 31, 2011 4:44:33 PM

Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

old has OCD

 

That's amazing ! How did you figure out it was meat? My kids can't have

gluten or dairy either.

Misty

>Hi Misty,  Thank you for the link reminder of autoimmune disease and OCD.  An

>additional

>                thought I would like to contribute in my family,

FOOD

>sensitivity is a big concern.

>

>                My first son has OCD .  While my second son

didnt test for

>celiac, no OCD but ADD

>                and his food sensitivities (diary, gluten - all

grains except

>corn and rice and red meat, caffiene)

>                His autoimmune condition was nephrosis due to

the Red meat in

>his diet.  The cure for

>                him was not the medicine but taking the meat

and caffiene out of

>

>his diet.  What a difference.

>

>

>

>

>

>________________________________

>

>To:

>Sent: Thu, March 31, 2011 11:15:41 AM

>Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

>old has OCD

>

> 

>I agree that there is a connection with autoimmune diseases and OCD in many

>cases.. Celiac disease is also an autoimmune disease, which is what we deal

with

>

>

>here.  PANDAS is also an autoimmune issue.  Everyone needs to be their

child's

>expert and get to the bottom of what is fueling behaviors for their child!

>

>Misty

>

>________________________________

>

>To:

>Sent: Thu, March 31, 2011 8:47:14 AM

>Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

>old has OCD

>

> 

>Hi Judy,

> 

>It is interesting about your daughter and the auto immune disorder that you

>mentioned. The center where we take both of my daughter for their OCD treatment

>have been doing studies and believe that OCD is more prevalent in people with

>auto immune diseases........the interesting thing is that I have three

daughters

>

>

>and this is their medical situation....

> 

>Sara 12 years old

>Common Variable Immune deficinecy (not autoimmune, but immune system related)

>Hashimotos Thyroiditis (autoimmune)

>Alopecia Areata (autoimmune)

>OCD

>

> 

> 8 years old

>Common Variable Immune Deficiency

>Crohns disease (autoimmune)

>Arthralgia/arthritis (autoimmune)

>Irritable Bowel

>OCD

> 

>Casey 10 years old

>Common Variable Immune deficiency

> 

> 

>And yes the compulsions in my girls seems to change but there were a few that

>were constant. My youngest daughters therapist said to her " if going againt

the

>

>

> " thought " makes you cry then it is OCD. She was trying to teach her how to

>determine what behavior is OCD and what isnt....this is an easy way to remember

>when I am just at my wits end trying to decide how to handle a situation...at

>some point you just dont know what is " normal "

> 

>

> 

> 

>So my personal opinion is that in my family the kids with more auto immune

>issues have the OCD. This could be a coincidence but it does seem to go along

>with what they told us at the center. Just some useless information for you!

lol

>

>

>

>Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

>has OCD

>To:

>Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

>

> 

>

>Welcome to the group, Judy.

>

>Sure sounds like OCD.

>

>Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

>the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

>using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

>therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

>

>A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

>psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

>typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

>any meds, IF they are needed.

>

>Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

>didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

>to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

>info on how that is treated.

>

>It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

>stress induced?

>

>Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through

the

>

>

>same here.

>

>BJ

>

>

>

>>

>

>> Hi -

>

>>

>

>>

>

>>

>

>> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

>>to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

>>with

>>

>

>> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

>

>> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

>

>> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

>

>> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

>>

>

>> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

>

>> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

>

>> or frets over:

>

>>

>

>>

>

>> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

>

>> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

>

>> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

>

>> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

>

>> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

>

>> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

>

>> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

>

>> huge tantrum

>

>> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

>

>> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

>

>> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

>

>> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

>

>> can't help herself.

>

>> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

>>thinks everything

>

>> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

>

>> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

>

>> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

>

>> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

>>she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

>>

>

>> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

>

>> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

>

>> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

>

>> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>>

>

>>

>

>>

>

>> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

>>

>

>> Thank you,

>

>>

>

>>

>

>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

, one more thing. I think you had this doubt. Our sons ocd constantly

evolves. When one is solved very gradually another OCD steps in. However the

important thing is that he knows it and we try to train him to spot it avoid

falling trapped by it.

Sent from my iPhone

> Hi

>

> My son 8 - was recently [ In Feb 2011 ] diagnosed with OCD by a child

pscyhiatrist.

> In hindsight it was probably there even a year before and we totally missed

it.

>

> I am no expert here but what you mention sounds like OCD symptoms. The sooner

you start helping your child the better. There is no harm.

> I am specifically talking only about CBT through ERP. These have helped my son

tremendously.

> He feels a HUGE relief from knowing that this a disorder…like any other

illness and needs to be fixed.

> Reading " What to do when your brain gets stuck " a kids guide to OCD has been

very helpful for him.

> It has created awareness for him. There are times he will say " Oh, this is an

OCD, I need to stop! "

>

> Although things are going well I cant help but feel that it could have helped

him a lot more if only we had seen this earlier.

>

> I urge you to get started. It is easier now.

> Good luck!

> Anu

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi Judy

>

> Everyone here is great and has a ton of info for you that will help.

>

> I will tell you that my daughter just turned 8 in Feb. we always knew that she

had OCD. We were fortunate enough to be able to put her in a " study " that was 2

visits a week for 6 weeks for Exposure Response Therapy. She is a different

person now, she has only been out of therapy 2 weeks but she is wearing the

clothes she never would, she actually put her hand in 8 public toilets in one

day as part of her " contamination " ERT and she is so proud she even told her

friends! I could go on and on about the things she was able to overcome but it

wasnt easy.

>

> I also have a daughter who is 12 and she has " just Right ocd " for instance she

wouldnt open the front door because she would have to use both hands or it

wouldnt feel right...well our doorknob cant fit both hands so she didnt open the

door for over a year. We didnt realize most of her OCD we just considered her

uptight and quirky! Well it all hit the fan in August when she was 11. She

couldnt manage the compulsions anymore, she admitted to us everything. She is

now on Medication, she gets ERT and the road is much harder for her.

>

> Now I dont know if she had the therapy when she was 7 if it would have made a

difference, I think it is different for everyone. But I would take her for some

help and try to get a handle on what is happening now.

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Subject: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

> To:

> Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:52 PM

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi -

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

to get some feedback from the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

with

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome? Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

> Judy

>

> jmnobida@...

>

>

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Share on other sites
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Posted
Posted

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome, kind words and advice so far. I'm lucky

to have found this group.  I have started getting the names of therapists and

will be contacting them to see about doing a clinical assessment. Are there any

referrals lists posted on this group of CBT therapists by city and state?

I don't know how much luck I will have in finding out if my daughter's IgAN is

connected to OCD. I will ask the Nephrologist and post to the IgAN support group

I belong to. If there is a connection, does this affect the course of treatment?

I've read that OCD is caused by lack of seratonin. Are there any suggested ways

to naturally increase seratonin production? How does diet affect OCD - does it

play a big role. I believe someone had started to suggest this in one of their

responses. I have a friend who's daughter has Aspergers and she mentioned she is

very careful about her daughter's diet which helps to relieve symptoms. We have

already tried to reduce the amount of processed food from my daughter's diet and

homecook more with organic and whole ingredients for her IgAN to help protect

her kidneys. It's so time consuming and difficult to keep up, especially when

we're so tired with all the battles and drama.

Lastly, does anyone have any tips for dealing with the day to day grind until my

daughter gets assessed and has possible treatment? My daughter was able to meet

a friend today for some playtime but she was highly upset when it turned out to

be a park playdate instead of at her friends house. She was also upset she

couldn't ride her bike home afterwards. After she came home from playing, she

continued to be in a foul mood and complained  about anything and everything

and was very needy. My poor 9 year old son was  extremely frustrated with her

-we are all at our wits end. He sees how drained I am and it's wearing on him

also. It is unfair to him because he gets so little of my time and attention as

much of it goes to my daughter. I don't want to be an enabler to my daughter,

but if I try to correct her behavior, she's goes ballistic and it becomes an

hour long temper tantrum. I just sit there quietly listening while trying to

maintain my composure and

then hold her until she calms down. I don't know what else to do. It did break

my heart when she sadly and innocently asked me yesterday  " why did you make me

born this way " ? It's been hard to hold the tears back since.

Thanks for listening...any advice would be appreciated.

Judy

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

 

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through the

same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

with

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

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Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

Hi Judy.. for seratonin, our doctor recommends 5-HTP.  Many people have had

wonderful results with this.  My daughters are still on Zoloft, but when I

finally wean them off (sometime this year) I'm going to start 5-HTP.

Diet is huge for MANY of these kids.. My kids have a very clean diet and I have

removed all foods they have tested sensitive to (gluten, casein,  & soy).  The

difference has been phenomenal. 

I know exactly how you feel as one of my daughters will blow up at the drop of a

hat too.. If she were expecting a playdate at a friend's house and we went to

the park instead, she would be very upset.. I have to be very clear about

everything we do.  When we are out running errands and she asks me " how many

more stops do we have to make " and I tell her 2 more stops, but then I remember

that I needed to stop at the post office too on the way home (to make it 3

stops) she could potentially totally freak out, depending on how badly she

wants

to get home and how clean (or not clean) her diet has been lately..  Yesterday

we went to Target to kill some time before her behavior therapy because we were

a little early..  She wanted to go look at the Pokemon toys.  I told her

okay..

But what I didn't tell her was that we were only looking, not buying.. If only I

had said we weren't buying before we went to the Pokemon stuff!!!  Everything

would have been fine!  She assumed that we were going to buy something just

because I agreed to go look at the Pokemon stuff (because I never want to look

at Pokemon stuff).. Well, the scene that followed when she realized we weren't

buying was NOT pretty.. I had to drag her out of the store with her throwing a

HUGE fit..  She is almost 8 years old!!  She has Asperger's and cannot handle

change in her expectations.. So I have to be very clear before we do ANYTHING.

That said, she is a million times improved on her behavior since before we

changed her diet and removed her sensitivities..  Before, I couldn't even walk

through Target with her because she was so hyperactive and had such a chaotic

mind. 

Misty

________________________________

To:

Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 2:00:19 AM

Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

old has OCD

 

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome, kind words and advice so far. I'm lucky

to have found this group.  I have started getting the names of therapists and

will be contacting them to see about doing a clinical assessment. Are there any

referrals lists posted on this group of CBT therapists by city and state?

I don't know how much luck I will have in finding out if my daughter's IgAN is

connected to OCD. I will ask the Nephrologist and post to the IgAN support group

I belong to. If there is a connection, does this affect the course of treatment?

I've read that OCD is caused by lack of seratonin. Are there any suggested ways

to naturally increase seratonin production? How does diet affect OCD - does it

play a big role. I believe someone had started to suggest this in one of their

responses. I have a friend who's daughter has Aspergers and she mentioned she is

very careful about her daughter's diet which helps to relieve symptoms. We have

already tried to reduce the amount of processed food from my daughter's diet and

homecook more with organic and whole ingredients for her IgAN to help protect

her kidneys. It's so time consuming and difficult to keep up, especially when

we're so tired with all the battles and drama.

Lastly, does anyone have any tips for dealing with the day to day grind until my

daughter gets assessed and has possible treatment? My daughter was able to meet

a friend today for some playtime but she was highly upset when it turned out to

be a park playdate instead of at her friends house. She was also upset she

couldn't ride her bike home afterwards. After she came home from playing, she

continued to be in a foul mood and complained  about anything and everything

and

was very needy. My poor 9 year old son was  extremely frustrated with her -we

are all at our wits end. He sees how drained I am and it's wearing on him also.

It is unfair to him because he gets so little of my time and attention as much

of it goes to my daughter. I don't want to be an enabler to my daughter, but if

I try to correct her behavior, she's goes ballistic and it becomes an hour long

temper tantrum. I just sit there quietly listening while trying to maintain my

composure and

then hold her until she calms down. I don't know what else to do. It did break

my heart when she sadly and innocently asked me yesterday  " why did you make me

born this way " ? It's been hard to hold the tears back since.

Thanks for listening...any advice would be appreciated.

Judy

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

 

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through the

same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

>to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

>with

>

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

>thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

>she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

Judy, Welcome to the group. We are very new to all of this as well and just got

a diagnosis a few months ago. Our dd is 10 years old and life has been a roller

coaster ride. Just know that you are not alone and we probably can all relate

at some level. This does really affect the whole family and has worn on my

other children too. I have found that just getting away with my other kids

individually has been our sanity. Sometimes I will take the older two out for a

bite to eat or even just a walk or bike ride. The squeaky wheel at our house

was getting oiled all the time and it was all consuming and my other children

were really getting burned out. Our therapist also treats our whole family

including the older children in dealing with the younger one with OCD. Our dd

just started meds about 3 weeks ago and she is sooo much more manageable. We

tried no meds for a year and just therapy but we were living on eggshells all

the time so decided to give meds a try. I hope this lasts. This can be all

consuming and you just have to take time to give yourself and your family a

break, when needed. Thankfully we have a fantastic therapist who is our " rock " .

I am not so crazy for the pschyiatrist but she seems to know meds so we will

stick with her for now. Wish I had more wisdom to offer...one day at time!

Michele

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > Hi -

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was

hoping to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be

consistent with

>

>

>

> > OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

>

>

>

> > things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

>

>

>

> > which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

>

>

>

> > because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

>

>

>

> > over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

>

>

>

> > or frets over:

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

>

>

>

> > soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

>

>

>

> > to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

>

>

>

> > Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

>

>

>

> > the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

>

>

>

> > the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

>

>

>

> > critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

>

>

>

> > huge tantrum

>

>

>

> > Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

>

>

>

> > year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

>

>

>

> > that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

>

>

>

> > out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

>

>

>

> > can't help herself.

>

>

>

> > Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

thinks everything

>

>

>

> > is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

>

>

>

> > washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

>

>

>

> > which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

>

>

>

> > blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

>

>

>

> > effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

>

>

>

> > What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

>

>

>

> > diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > Any insights would be appreciated.

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > Thank you,

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

Misty -

I'm assuming the 5-HTP is a prescription drug or is this some kind of a natural

supplement. Are there ways to get seratonin through foods?  Also are there

certain known foods to avoid for OCD or is it based on each individual person

and their sensitivities? And by sensitivities do you mean your daughter has some

kind of allergic reaction such as a rash or does the sensitivity just manifest

itself in her behaviors?

Unfortunately I have tried to set my daughter's expectations accordingly, but

that is no longer working. It used to work when she was younger, but now if she

wants something a certain way she will keep insisting on her way and fall apart

if her demands are not met. Before I go into a store I will tell her I need to

pick up something and only that item. Once we get into the store, she'll ask for

something and even though I'll remind her that we said she was just going to

look, she will keep asking to buy something. It usually escalates into a tantrum

because she cannot take no for an answer.

Judy

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

 

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through the

same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

>to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

>with

>

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

>thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

>she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

Thanks Michele. I am feeling very alone at the moment even though my husband and

I are both dealing with this. He deals with problems a lot differently than I do

-  he's able to compartmentalize it and sort of detach himself which works

great for him, but not so great for me. It's very helpful to be part of this

group and know that other people are feeling and dealing with this similarly.

Judy

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Friday, April 1, 2011, 10:01 AM

 

Judy, Welcome to the group. We are very new to all of this as well and

just got a diagnosis a few months ago. Our dd is 10 years old and life has been

a roller coaster ride. Just know that you are not alone and we probably can all

relate at some level. This does really affect the whole family and has worn on

my other children too. I have found that just getting away with my other kids

individually has been our sanity. Sometimes I will take the older two out for a

bite to eat or even just a walk or bike ride. The squeaky wheel at our house

was getting oiled all the time and it was all consuming and my other children

were really getting burned out. Our therapist also treats our whole family

including the older children in dealing with the younger one with OCD. Our dd

just started meds about 3 weeks ago and she is sooo much more manageable. We

tried no meds for a year and just therapy but we were living on eggshells all

the time so decided

to give meds a try. I hope this lasts. This can be all consuming and you just

have to take time to give yourself and your family a break, when needed.

Thankfully we have a fantastic therapist who is our " rock " . I am not so crazy

for the pschyiatrist but she seems to know meds so we will stick with her for

now. Wish I had more wisdom to offer...one day at time!

Michele

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > Hi -

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was

hoping to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be

consistent with

>

>

>

> > OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

>

>

>

> > things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

>

>

>

> > which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

>

>

>

> > because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

>

>

>

> > over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

>

>

>

> > or frets over:

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

>

>

>

> > soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

>

>

>

> > to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

>

>

>

> > Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

>

>

>

> > the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

>

>

>

> > the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

>

>

>

> > critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

>

>

>

> > huge tantrum

>

>

>

> > Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

>

>

>

> > year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

>

>

>

> > that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

>

>

>

> > out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

>

>

>

> > can't help herself.

>

>

>

> > Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

thinks everything

>

>

>

> > is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

>

>

>

> > washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

>

>

>

> > which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

>

>

>

> > blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

>

>

>

> > effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

>

>

>

> > What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

>

>

>

> > diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > Any insights would be appreciated.

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> > Thank you,

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

> >

>

>

>

>

Link to comment
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Posted
Posted

5-HTP is a supplement.  You do not need a prescription..

Food sensitivities... My daughter is considered non-celiac gluten intolerant (I

have full blown celiac disease though).  She also tested as sensitive to casein

(milk protein) and soy protein.  These are IgG antibody responses.. Not IgE

(anaphylactic-type)..  She does not have typical allergic respones to these

foods.. It is purely behavioral for her..  Some people are starting to

call this

type of food sensitivity  " brain allergies " .  The only physical symptom she

has

to these foods is dark cirlces around her eyes, which is caused by her soy

sensitivity.  But to answer your question.. Yes, diet modification should be

based on each individual child's sensitivities.. I have two daughters who can

have soy and one daughter who can't.  I have one daughter with full blown

celiac

and two daughters with non-celiac gluten intolerance.  I have two daughters who

can't have casein and one daughter who can.  This is all based on test results

(bloodwork) plus my own observations on physical, gastrointestinal,

neurological, and behavioral symptoms that follow when these foods are eaten.

Misty

________________________________

From: Judy Nobida jmnobida@...

To:

Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 12:31:14 PM

Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

old has OCD

 

Misty -

I'm assuming the 5-HTP is a prescription drug or is this some kind of a natural

supplement. Are there ways to get seratonin through foods?  Also are there

certain known foods to avoid for OCD or is it based on each individual person

and their sensitivities? And by sensitivities do you mean your daughter has some

kind of allergic reaction such as a rash or does the sensitivity just manifest

itself in her behaviors?

Unfortunately I have tried to set my daughter's expectations accordingly, but

that is no longer working. It used to work when she was younger, but now if she

wants something a certain way she will keep insisting on her way and fall apart

if her demands are not met. Before I go into a store I will tell her I need to

pick up something and only that item. Once we get into the store, she'll ask for

something and even though I'll remind her that we said she was just going to

look, she will keep asking to buy something. It usually escalates into a tantrum

because she cannot take no for an answer.

Judy

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

 

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through the

same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

>to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

>with

>

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

>thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

>she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

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Posted
Posted

Thanks for the clarification Misty. I just read on the mayo clinic site that

foods that can commonly cause adverse reactions, including moodiness — which

can lead to irritability or anxiety include wheat, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, nuts

and shellfish. How would I go about getting my daughter tested for these food

sensitivities?

Judy

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

 

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through the

same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

>to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

>with

>

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

>thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

>she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

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Share on other sites
Guest guest

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Posted
Posted

We tested through Great Plains Labs http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com  You

want the IgG food allergy test which tests for 93 different foods.  You need a

doctor to sign the test requisition form.. Let me know if you have any questions

about this.

Misty

________________________________

To:

Sent: Fri, April 1, 2011 5:19:25 PM

Subject: Re: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year

old has OCD

 

Thanks for the clarification Misty. I just read on the mayo clinic site that

foods that can commonly cause adverse reactions, including moodiness — which

can

lead to irritability or anxiety include wheat, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, nuts and

shellfish. How would I go about getting my daughter tested for these food

sensitivities?

Judy

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2011, 7:33 PM

 

Welcome to the group, Judy.

Sure sounds like OCD.

Intervening early is a good thing. When they are young the rituals haven't had

the chance to become as ingrained, so they are able to overcome them easier

using CBT/ERP (cognitive behavioral therapy / exposure and response prevention)

therapy. The ERP is key to improvement.

A YBOCS symptom list is often used to help determine if it is OCD or not. A

psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose. But once you start treatment,

typically the therapist will do the CBT/ERP, while the psychiatrist will manage

any meds, IF they are needed.

Our son also had a lot of sensitivities when he was young. He outgrew many. We

didn't know what was going on, or how to treat it, so we just did what we could

to try to make life easier for all of us. I notice already gave you some

info on how that is treated.

It's interesting that she breaks out in hives. Has she always done that? Is it

stress induced?

Glad you found our group. I think you will find others who have been through the

same here.

BJ

>

> Hi -

>

>

>

> I'm new to the group. I suspect my 6 yr old daughter may have OCD. Was hoping

>to get some feedback from  the group to see if her symptoms may be consistent

>with

>

> OCD. Ever since I can remember she has always been particular about

> things and does not take no for an answer. She still has temper tantrums

> which I thought she would have grown out of by now. We often butt heads

> because I think she is being unreasonable. I am exhausted,

>

> frustrated and at a loss for what to do. Her obssessions have changed

> over the years, but there always has been something she is bothered by

> or frets over:

>

>

> Very particular about the clothes she wore - only plain clothes of very

> soft material, only flat seams, no puffy sleeves and no bows. Would have

> to change clothes if just a drop of water got on her clothes

> Obsessed with the placement of things - step stool has to be in

> the exact spot in her room. Her shoes have to be placed exactly so in

> the garage.Perfectionist - loves art and is good at it, but is super

> critical of herself and results in her abandoning the project and in a

> huge tantrum

> Had a lot of anxiety and tantrums over homework in kindergarten last

> year- would continue to erase and redo work that was really good work

> that didn't need to be fixed. She was so stressed that she would break

> out in hivesFor a period, she said she  thinking mean thoughts of me and

> can't help herself.

> Most recently she is extremely concerned about germs and contamination. She

>thinks everything

> is contaminated even after the initial problem is resolved - ie hands

> washed already, but now my hand touched my book, which touched my coat,

> which touched by bed so now we have to wash my coat and my bedsheets and

> blankets. She has been hysterical over a couple of recent incidents and says

>she is trying but cannot help feeling that way.

>

> Does it help to intervene early on when someone has OCD or does that not

> effect the overall outcome?  Does my daughter need to be evaluated?

> What kind of a professional should I contact for the evaluation and

> diagnosis - psychologist, MFT, etc?

>

>

>

> Any insights would be appreciated.

>

> Thank you,

>

>

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Guest guest

Guest guest

Posted
Posted

Hi Judy,

You will find information in our " files " on inositol, a natural supplement that

increases serotonin. It can have a similar effect to an ssri. Dosing is

covered in the article by Dr. Penzel. Some here have had good success with it,

and will be able to advise you on the best source to order from. It requires

large doses, so you want to find an affordable source.

Native Remedies is another company that some have found helpful, particularly

for anxiety, not sure about OCD specifically.

As far as coping day to day, you may find that until you start treatment you do

just need to go along with a fair amount of accommodating. Especially if the

anxiety is really high. Be firm about boundaries, and it is best to not get

involved in any rituals. Listen, empathize, be as neutral and calm as you can

(almost impossible I know!) but anything else just inflames, and just try not to

hook in. It sounds like you are doing this already, and sometimes that's the

best you can do. I felt I developed the patience of a saint, as I'm sure

everyone here does! Ear plugs work well to dull the sound of ranting...

Here is a link to home management strategies for OCD -

http://www.anxietybc.com/sites/default/files/hmocd.pdf

One of the things you can do is talk about OCD as a bully that they can boss

back. Externalizing it, so they know it is not them, and then it is something

you can " fight " back together.

You can ask her if she can pick one thing that would be easy to work on, doing

ERP. When they have some success with this they are encouraged to do more, and

then start to see that there is a way out. She may or may not be ready for this

though, depends. It's important that she be in control of choosing what she

feels she can manage to do.

Hang in there Judy. The beginning stage is so hard, and it is to grieve a

little every day, for the loss of " normal " . It gets easier with time and

information and professional help, and of course everyone here who understands.

Warmly,

Barb

>

> Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome, kind words and advice so far. I'm

lucky to have found this group.  I have started getting the names of therapists

and will be contacting them to see about doing a clinical assessment. Are there

any referrals lists posted on this group of CBT therapists by city and state?

>

> I don't know how much luck I will have in finding out if my daughter's IgAN is

connected to OCD. I will ask the Nephrologist and post to the IgAN support group

I belong to. If there is a connection, does this affect the course of treatment?

>

> I've read that OCD is caused by lack of seratonin. Are there any suggested

ways to naturally increase seratonin production? How does diet affect OCD - does

it play a big role. I believe someone had started to suggest this in one of

their responses. I have a friend who's daughter has Aspergers and she mentioned

she is very careful about her daughter's diet which helps to relieve symptoms.

We have already tried to reduce the amount of processed food from my daughter's

diet and homecook more with organic and whole ingredients for her IgAN to help

protect her kidneys. It's so time consuming and difficult to keep up, especially

when we're so tired with all the battles and drama.

>

> Lastly, does anyone have any tips for dealing with the day to day grind until

my daughter gets assessed and has possible treatment? My daughter was able to

meet a friend today for some playtime but she was highly upset when it turned

out to be a park playdate instead of at her friends house. She was also upset

she couldn't ride her bike home afterwards. After she came home from playing,

she continued to be in a foul mood and complained  about anything and

everything and was very needy. My poor 9 year old son was  extremely frustrated

with her -we are all at our wits end. He sees how drained I am and it's wearing

on him also. It is unfair to him because he gets so little of my time and

attention as much of it goes to my daughter. I don't want to be an enabler to my

daughter, but if I try to correct her behavior, she's goes ballistic and it

becomes an hour long temper tantrum. I just sit there quietly listening while

trying to maintain my composure and

> then hold her until she calms down. I don't know what else to do. It did

break my heart when she sadly and innocently asked me yesterday  " why did you

make me born this way " ? It's been hard to hold the tears back since.

>

> Thanks for listening...any advice would be appreciated.

>

> Judy

>

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Posted
Posted

Hi Barb -

Thanks so much for the tips and links  on dealing with the daily grind... but

most of all your assurances that what I'm currently doing is the best way to

handle it at the moment is so helpful to me. I really appreciate the support.

Helps me pick myself off the ground and get back in the saddle.

Is it generally recommended to wait until being under the care of a therapist

before taking the inositol supplement or can this be started right away? I will

also have to check with my daughter's nephrologist to make sure there aren't

issues with her IgAN.

Judy

Subject: Re: New to the group- How do I know if my 6 year old

has OCD

To:

Date: Friday, April 1, 2011, 7:20 PM

 

Hi Judy,

You will find information in our " files " on inositol, a natural supplement that

increases serotonin. It can have a similar effect to an ssri. Dosing is

covered in the article by Dr. Penzel. Some here have had good success with it,

and will be able to advise you on the best source to order from. It requires

large doses, so you want to find an affordable source.

Native Remedies is another company that some have found helpful, particularly

for anxiety, not sure about OCD specifically.

As far as coping day to day, you may find that until you start treatment you do

just need to go along with a fair amount of accommodating. Especially if the

anxiety is really high. Be firm about boundaries, and it is best to not get

involved in any rituals. Listen, empathize, be as neutral and calm as you can

(almost impossible I know!) but anything else just inflames, and just try not to

hook in. It sounds like you are doing this already, and sometimes that's the

best you can do. I felt I developed the patience of a saint, as I'm sure

everyone here does! Ear plugs work well to dull the sound of ranting...

Here is a link to home management strategies for OCD -

http://www.anxietybc.com/sites/default/files/hmocd.pdf

One of the things you can do is talk about OCD as a bully that they can boss

back. Externalizing it, so they know it is not them, and then it is something

you can " fight " back together.

You can ask her if she can pick one thing that would be easy to work on, doing

ERP. When they have some success with this they are encouraged to do more, and

then start to see that there is a way out. She may or may not be ready for this

though, depends. It's important that she be in control of choosing what she

feels she can manage to do.

Hang in there Judy. The beginning stage is so hard, and it is to grieve a

little every day, for the loss of " normal " . It gets easier with time and

information and professional help, and of course everyone here who understands.

Warmly,

Barb

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Posted
Posted

Hi Judy,

Well, I guess it depends on what issues you are dealing with, and your own

personal comfort with these things, but it's always a good idea to consult your

doctor before starting anything. Inositol can be as powerful as an ssri. Since

it sounds like you have additional medical conditions you know best on this.

We did try the inositol on our own and our son reacted strongly, and so we

stopped. He is very sensitive to anything that affects brain chemistry, and we

dealt with the same with medications. It was kind of a hint of what was to come

for us. Our son does best on low dose of ssri, so might be the same with

inositol. I can't remember what dose we got to, and I didn't understand how

important going slowly with these things was, for us anyway.

If you go slowly with it, and if it seems to be impacting negatively you can

just stop, but I would taper it off, just as you would with medication. It can

take several weeks or months to see positive effects, again, just like an ssri.

So, I think it's one of those things worth trying and you will then decide as

you go whether it is worth continuing.

Like ssri's most need a high dose, 18grams of inositol to impact the OCD. It

can take a while to get to that dose, and often you need to go slowly because it

can cause stomach upset, again so can an ssri.

These things are always so individual, you just have to try something and see.

But as I say, if you go slowly with dosing you will have less chance of big,

negative reactions - if your daughter is sensitive, and reactive to things in

general, this is advice that will serve you well with any med or other you try

to.

Also, keep a journal so you can track changes with anything you try, and dose

increases - best advise I was given. You can then look back and track possible

cause and effect with things. There is a waxing and waning with the OCD, so

this can make it difficult to track all the influences and know for certain what

is helping sometimes. But a journal can help to find the big picture over time.

Hugs on the daily grind of it Judy. Be gentle with yourself as you cope with

this, the beginning stages are exhausting and basically impossible sometimes. I

had many days where I wondered how I would manage to continue. There was an

unreal quality to it all, kept thinking I would wake up from it.

Somehow it becomes your " new normal " and you adapt. Once they receive treatment

and symptoms are dialed back, it just becomes your life and something you learn

to move with, forward, backward, sideways, but at least moving, and not

completely " stuck " .

Warmly,

Barb

>

> Hi Barb -

>

> Thanks so much for the tips and links  on dealing with the daily grind... but

most of all your assurances that what I'm currently doing is the best way to

handle it at the moment is so helpful to me. I really appreciate the support.

Helps me pick myself off the ground and get back in the saddle.

>

> Is it generally recommended to wait until being under the care of a therapist

before taking the inositol supplement or can this be started right away? I will

also have to check with my daughter's nephrologist to make sure there aren't

issues with her IgAN.

>

> Judy

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