Re: 20/20 episode with diane sawyer

[Guest guest]

I am wondering also when is too young to be medicated?

Sent from my iPhone

> Yesterday, diane sawyer reported on a story she had been working on for a year

on children and medication. Mainly foster kids waiting to be adopted who at as

young as 7 years old were prescribed over 10 or more different meds. Just wanted

to know if anyone watched. It broke my heart to see the kids going through that.

Certain behaviors are immediatly mistaken for add or adhd so it's important to

be informed and have proper treatment along with the right doctors. as i

mentioned before my son had seen 3 or 4 therapists.The first one till this day

beleives he should be on meds. he is not. But that is what worked for us, as I

do understand the need for some children to be on meds. When is too young do you

think for a child to start on medication.? When my son was 3 he was soooooo

overly active I thought it was adhd. He never had it but at times I wanted to

give him something just to calm him down. It does get better but I will tell you

that my husband has adult add and SHOULD have gotten help when he was a child,

but no one acknowledged that it even existed. (back in the 70's) Anyway, sorry

to go on so long. I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year.!! And I

desperately need a vacation. Oh well, maybe next year

> Pam L.

>

>

[Guest guest]

" When is too young do you think for a child to start on medication.? "

Well, I'm not sure. We turned to medication when my daughter's compulsive

behavior interrupted her ability to enjoy life and our family life revolved

around her meltdowns. This is after 9 months of sometimes bi-weekly

cognitive therapy. It was never just, " Oh, she's a bit wonky, let's spin

the Wheel 'o Medication. " She's seven.

Medication of children is such a hot button issue. I feel very defensive

about it, personally. It was a last resort for us, but I feel judged by

other parents if it comes up that she's medicated. It clearly helps, she's

not on ten different meds, she's happier and functional and thank heavens.

But then you have these reports about three year old children on all these

different meds and it creates a generally negative public opinion.

[Guest guest]

" When is too young do you think for a child to start on medication.? "

Well, I'm not sure. We turned to medication when my daughter's compulsive

behavior interrupted her ability to enjoy life and our family life revolved

around her meltdowns. This is after 9 months of sometimes bi-weekly

cognitive therapy. It was never just, " Oh, she's a bit wonky, let's spin

the Wheel 'o Medication. " She's seven.

Medication of children is such a hot button issue. I feel very defensive

about it, personally. It was a last resort for us, but I feel judged by

other parents if it comes up that she's medicated. It clearly helps, she's

not on ten different meds, she's happier and functional and thank heavens.

But then you have these reports about three year old children on all these

different meds and it creates a generally negative public opinion.

[Guest guest]

i completely agree, however on the 3 year old note the doctors did want to

prescribe my daughter on meds. I flat out said NO, at 7 they wanted her in

therapy, I was in denial and said NO, my daughter is gifted, talented and has

all the gifts every parent wishes their children are born with. At the age of 9

my daughter was so bad they wanted her hospitalized and I was told by leading

doctor world known, parents from Europe send their childern to him and he said,

as a parent you normally don't have the perfect child, your average child is not

gifted yet has no quirks, your gifted child is not average but has quirks.

With the right therapy most gifted child with OCD do not need medication.

Prior to entering the program my daughter was on 5 different meds. Now NONE. I

PRAISE JESUS DAILY for the CBT program and PRAISE God for my gifted child and

realize every child is gifted in their own way and no longer feel the extra

talent is necessary. NOR do I brag that I have a gifted child, I just say my

child is normal........

>

> " When is too young do you think for a child to start on medication.? "

>

> Well, I'm not sure. We turned to medication when my daughter's compulsive

> behavior interrupted her ability to enjoy life and our family life revolved

> around her meltdowns. This is after 9 months of sometimes bi-weekly

> cognitive therapy. It was never just, " Oh, she's a bit wonky, let's spin

> the Wheel 'o Medication. " She's seven.

>

> Medication of children is such a hot button issue. I feel very defensive

> about it, personally. It was a last resort for us, but I feel judged by

> other parents if it comes up that she's medicated. It clearly helps, she's

> not on ten different meds, she's happier and functional and thank heavens.

> But then you have these reports about three year old children on all these

> different meds and it creates a generally negative public opinion.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

That's exactly it: when the condition causes suffering and you've tried other

approaches, medication offers the hope of relieving the suffering. You get to

the point where you realize it would be wrong not to try medication if you've

tried everything else.

> " When is too young do you think for a child to start on medication.? "

>

> Well, I'm not sure. We turned to medication when my daughter's compulsive

> behavior interrupted her ability to enjoy life and our family life revolved

> around her meltdowns. This is after 9 months of sometimes bi-weekly

> cognitive therapy. It was never just, " Oh, she's a bit wonky, let's spin

> the Wheel 'o Medication. " She's seven.

>

> Medication of children is such a hot button issue. I feel very defensive

> about it, personally. It was a last resort for us, but I feel judged by

> other parents if it comes up that she's medicated. It clearly helps, she's

> not on ten different meds, she's happier and functional and thank heavens.

> But then you have these reports about three year old children on all these

> different meds and it creates a generally negative public opinion.

>

>

[Guest guest]

I think it really depends on each individual child. My daughter's OCD was so

bad that by second grade she went on medication because she was too afraid to

eat most things. She needs medication to think rationally about things, rather

than having bizarre fears and obsessions. The medication that did the trick for

her turned out to be Anafranil, which she has been on since 4th grade, and it

has turned her life around. She has friends and doesn't have odd thoughts that

make her react differently to situations and result in much tears. I can reason

with her about the fears she does have now. My son went on medication for OCD

last year in 6th grade when he was also having over the top fears and was so

depressed, he talked about suicide. We tried him off it this fall because he

was doing so amazing after the half year on meds and ERP. Unfortunately, he got

full of fears again, and the night he came down crying to tell me that he didn't

know how he could live with such worries anymore convinced me to have him go

back on medication.

I have needed to be on medication for my OCD most of my life, so it doesn't

surprise me that they do. The difference for them is amazing, and it is

actually a gift, rather than something to be troubled about.

20/20 episode with diane sawyer

Yesterday, diane sawyer reported on a story she had been working on for a year

on children and medication. Mainly foster kids waiting to be adopted who at as

young as 7 years old were prescribed over 10 or more different meds. Just wanted

to know if anyone watched. It broke my heart to see the kids going through that.

Certain behaviors are immediatly mistaken for add or adhd so it's important to

be informed and have proper treatment along with the right doctors. as i

mentioned before my son had seen 3 or 4 therapists.The first one till this day

beleives he should be on meds. he is not. But that is what worked for us, as I

do understand the need for some children to be on meds. When is too young do you

think for a child to start on medication.? When my son was 3 he was soooooo

overly active I thought it was adhd. He never had it but at times I wanted to

give him something just to calm him down. It does get better but I will tell you

that my husband has adult add and S HOULD have gotten help when he was a child,

but no one acknowledged that it even existed. (back in the 70's) Anyway, sorry

to go on so long. I wish you all a very happy and healthy new year.!! And I

desperately need a vacation. Oh well, maybe next year

Pam L.

[Guest guest]

Medication for OCD is not the answer for all, but it is a lifesaver (and sanity

saver) for some.  Our 11.5 yr old dd has been on Zoloft since she was 8.5 yrs

old. We started at a low dose; she was relatively stable for 4-6 mos and then

went dramatically downhill.  We had to increase to a standard OCD dose of 175

mg/day.  My mom said that she hated to think of dd on psych meds; I told her I

hated to think what her life would be like if these medications were not

available to her.  There are mild cases of OCD, children who may respond to

natural products like inositol, and children who are able/willing to participate

actively in treatment.And then, there are more severe cases, strong-willed

highly anxious children who cannot/will not participate in therapy, and children

who do not have enough insight to participate in standard ERP.  A developmental

pediatrician who was teaching a class on raising challenging children said

(regarding a child with ADHD)

that some children would do well with behavioral plans and environmental

support and some truly needed medication to function in school, play, etc.  I

think the same is true of children with OCD.  Some diabetics do well with diet

change and exercise, others need oral medications, and some need insulin.  Very

few people would say that a diabetic (adult or child) should not take insulin

because they might be dependent on it!!

In addition, I feel very strongly that with children you need to consider how

much of their life, academic, and social development they may miss if they are

consumed with rituals and obsessions.  If a child can be successfully treated

with ERP, this is preferable, but if a child is too anxious, depressed, or

uncooperative for ERP, he or she may need medication instead or in addition to

ERP.  If parents refuse medication for years for a child who is barely

functional, that child cannot get those years back.  Don't let people who have

never walked in your shoes judge your choice; they have not seen the effect of

OCD on your child and/or your family!

(mom w/OCD, 11.5 yo dd w/OCD, 9 yo dd w/tics and/or OCD?)

________________________________

To:

Sent: Saturday, December 3, 2011 7:12 PM

Subject: Re: 20/20 episode with diane sawyer

" When is too young do you think for a child to start on medication.? "

Well, I'm not sure. We turned to medication when my daughter's compulsive

behavior interrupted her ability to enjoy life and our family life revolved

around her meltdowns. This is after 9 months of sometimes bi-weekly

cognitive therapy. It was never just, " Oh, she's a bit wonky, let's spin

the Wheel 'o Medication. " She's seven.

Medication of children is such a hot button issue. I feel very defensive

about it, personally. It was a last resort for us, but I feel judged by

other parents if it comes up that she's medicated. It clearly helps, she's

not on ten different meds, she's happier and functional and thank heavens.

But then you have these reports about three year old children on all these

different meds and it creates a generally negative public opinion.

[Guest guest]

IQ has nothing to do with the ability to do well with CBT without medication. I

am an Ivy League graduate with a masters degree. I have severe OCD, and unless

I am on medication, I have trouble seeing that my fears aren't realistic. On

medication, I can live a relatively successful life. I am a learning specialist

of several decades raising twin 12 year olds on my own. I am on several

district committees for my kids' school district, among my activities. When my

kids' school tested children in the 2nd grade for the gifted program, both my

kids qualified. Both my kids ended their first year of middle school last year

with straight A averages, yet both also need to be on medication for their OCD.

Both have done well with therapy by very talented OCD specialists, but they were

only able to participate in this after being on medication that helped lessen

the severity of their belief in their fears.

Re: 20/20 episode with diane sawyer

i completely agree, however on the 3 year old note the doctors did want to

prescribe my daughter on meds. I flat out said NO, at 7 they wanted her in

therapy, I was in denial and said NO, my daughter is gifted, talented and has

all the gifts every parent wishes their children are born with. At the age of 9

my daughter was so bad they wanted her hospitalized and I was told by leading

doctor world known, parents from Europe send their childern to him and he said,

as a parent you normally don't have the perfect child, your average child is not

gifted yet has no quirks, your gifted child is not average but has quirks.

With the right therapy most gifted child with OCD do not need medication.

Prior to entering the program my daughter was on 5 different meds. Now NONE. I

PRAISE JESUS DAILY for the CBT program and PRAISE God for my gifted child and

realize every child is gifted in their own way and no longer feel the extra

talent is necessary. NOR do I brag that I have a gifted child, I just say my

child is normal........

>

> " When is too young do you think for a child to start on medication.? "

>

> Well, I'm not sure. We turned to medication when my daughter's compulsive

> behavior interrupted her ability to enjoy life and our family life revolved

> around her meltdowns. This is after 9 months of sometimes bi-weekly

> cognitive therapy. It was never just, " Oh, she's a bit wonky, let's spin

> the Wheel 'o Medication. " She's seven.

>

> Medication of children is such a hot button issue. I feel very defensive

> about it, personally. It was a last resort for us, but I feel judged by

> other parents if it comes up that she's medicated. It clearly helps, she's

> not on ten different meds, she's happier and functional and thank heavens.

> But then you have these reports about three year old children on all these

> different meds and it creates a generally negative public opinion.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I love what you said in your last paragraph! That is so true! I definitely

feel that I lost out on certain developmental stages because of untreated OCD in

my childhood, which continue to have an impact on me to this day.

Unfortunately, there was no understanding of OCD when I was a kid and no

medication available to treat it in the US. In fact, I had to fly to Canada to

get Anafranil when I was finally diagnosed in my early 20's. It turned my life

around.

Without medication my children, now 12, think in a way that makes them very

different from other kids and would make them be left out and also would make

them not want to participate in the activities necessary to grow and mature

towards independence. On medication they are doing amazingly well for such

significant OCD.

Re: 20/20 episode with diane sawyer

" When is too young do you think for a child to start on medication.? "

Well, I'm not sure. We turned to medication when my daughter's compulsive

behavior interrupted her ability to enjoy life and our family life revolved

around her meltdowns. This is after 9 months of sometimes bi-weekly

cognitive therapy. It was never just, " Oh, she's a bit wonky, let's spin

the Wheel 'o Medication. " She's seven.

Medication of children is such a hot button issue. I feel very defensive

about it, personally. It was a last resort for us, but I feel judged by

other parents if it comes up that she's medicated. It clearly helps, she's

not on ten different meds, she's happier and functional and thank heavens.

But then you have these reports about three year old children on all these

different meds and it creates a generally negative public opinion.

[Guest guest]

The psychiatrist recommended my son start prozac at 3 due to his incapacitation

from OCD. We said no and continued for 2 years with CBT and he did better ( but

it really took 2 years of pure hell). He got sick again at 8.5 and this time we

had to start meds due to stopping eating from fear the food was poisoned- we did

not have 2 years to wait! he has been on meds mostly ever since, doing therapy

on and off and is now 15 and doing well ( not currently doing any therapy but I

wish he would since I see little stuff that I know is OCD) But mostly he is

happy , successful, has lots of friends, is a good student, etc. My feeling is

CBT is the answer, but if that is not working, meds can be helpful when you find

the right one( finding it and the dose can be try hard)

RE: ADD/ ADHD

I think they are reluctant to make the dx earlier than age 5. Medicating for

this is a bit different because although there are behavioral strategies and

methods to use to help the child set up organizational routines, and nutritional

things you can do and exercise which helps, if the underlying issue is a focus

issue, there is not a lot to do about it other than meds. My middle son (not the

one with OCD) has inattentive type ADD with slow working memory and processing

speed (not at all hyperactive- just a total space case). He was diagnosed in 2nd

grade. Meds were recommended but we declined and worked behaviorally until 6th

grade with a 0% success rate, and severe damage to his self esteem. His first

day on meds was like a miracle. I never told his teachers and they noticed

immediately. There are no weeks and months of med trials, no suicidal

behaviors- it works or it does not and you will know immediately.

I am much less conflicted about his med than my OCD son's med (Zoloft) which

has terrible activating and disinhibiting side effects at doses greater than 50

mg ( he was on 175 mg at age 8). He is currently on 25 mg at age 15 and I am

good with that but wish he was off it all together.

I think in the end, what is important and defines you as a good parent is

putting aside your own belief system around this issue, and the judgement of

others and doing what is the right thing for your kid. This is easier to figure

out with ADD meds than SSRI's and atypical antipsychotics but if it is the right

thing for the kid, it is the right thing. Forget your own judgement, forget the

judgement of others. Try other stuff first obviously- all meds have side effects

and dangers, but if you need to use them, and they help more than harm, go easy

on yourself and know that you are a good parent for doing it ( especially if you

don't believe in using meds but are)

Do I ever feel like a failure that 2/3 of my kids are on psychotropic meds?

Absolutely! But I clearly know it is the right thing for my son with ADD. My

son with OCD - I am glad we have had them and think overall they helped him kick

OCD in the butt. However, I think he could be off them right now if he did a

little CBT work. However, he is a teenager and needs to start managing this

disease the way HE sees fit, not the way I do, and as long as he is functional,

I am letting him have a little control around it.

[Guest guest]

The psychiatrist recommended my son start prozac at 3 due to his incapacitation

from OCD. We said no and continued for 2 years with CBT and he did better ( but

it really took 2 years of pure hell). He got sick again at 8.5 and this time we

had to start meds due to stopping eating from fear the food was poisoned- we did

not have 2 years to wait! he has been on meds mostly ever since, doing therapy

on and off and is now 15 and doing well ( not currently doing any therapy but I

wish he would since I see little stuff that I know is OCD) But mostly he is

happy , successful, has lots of friends, is a good student, etc. My feeling is

CBT is the answer, but if that is not working, meds can be helpful when you find

the right one( finding it and the dose can be try hard)

RE: ADD/ ADHD

I think they are reluctant to make the dx earlier than age 5. Medicating for

this is a bit different because although there are behavioral strategies and

methods to use to help the child set up organizational routines, and nutritional

things you can do and exercise which helps, if the underlying issue is a focus

issue, there is not a lot to do about it other than meds. My middle son (not the

one with OCD) has inattentive type ADD with slow working memory and processing

speed (not at all hyperactive- just a total space case). He was diagnosed in 2nd

grade. Meds were recommended but we declined and worked behaviorally until 6th

grade with a 0% success rate, and severe damage to his self esteem. His first

day on meds was like a miracle. I never told his teachers and they noticed

immediately. There are no weeks and months of med trials, no suicidal

behaviors- it works or it does not and you will know immediately.

I am much less conflicted about his med than my OCD son's med (Zoloft) which

has terrible activating and disinhibiting side effects at doses greater than 50

mg ( he was on 175 mg at age 8). He is currently on 25 mg at age 15 and I am

good with that but wish he was off it all together.

I think in the end, what is important and defines you as a good parent is

putting aside your own belief system around this issue, and the judgement of

others and doing what is the right thing for your kid. This is easier to figure

out with ADD meds than SSRI's and atypical antipsychotics but if it is the right

thing for the kid, it is the right thing. Forget your own judgement, forget the

judgement of others. Try other stuff first obviously- all meds have side effects

and dangers, but if you need to use them, and they help more than harm, go easy

on yourself and know that you are a good parent for doing it ( especially if you

don't believe in using meds but are)

Do I ever feel like a failure that 2/3 of my kids are on psychotropic meds?

Absolutely! But I clearly know it is the right thing for my son with ADD. My

son with OCD - I am glad we have had them and think overall they helped him kick

OCD in the butt. However, I think he could be off them right now if he did a

little CBT work. However, he is a teenager and needs to start managing this

disease the way HE sees fit, not the way I do, and as long as he is functional,

I am letting him have a little control around it.