Re: Alternative Treatments

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie,

I can recommend acupuncture for the anxiety, and also for optimal functioning of

the liver/other organs that processes these medications.

My own experience of it, be sure to find a TCM (certified chinese med doc), and

understand there are different ways to practice. One is based on meridians of

the body (Chinese), and the other is more organ based (western?). Used to know

better, but basically interview and tell them what you are looking for. Some

use remedies too, and these can be really helpful for side effects of

medications, perhaps weight management.

This has been the most helpful alternative thing for me, in all the things I've

done over the years - which is many! The key is to find a really expert

practitioner, as always.

I do chiropractic too, as does my son, but doesn't touch the OCD at all. Good

for all 'round health though. If never tried, never know, spine is connected

with nervous system, so if there is a subluxation then it might " open "

something. I find it helps our son's allergies, if his neck is out.

Homeopathy also can be helpful for anxiety, general health. Again, depends how

they practice it, different approaches. Read up on it if you consider it.

Others in this group have had some really good results.

Other things we tried, at the outset - hypnosis - forget about it, probably make

it worse, my son thought!, Bach flower remedies - didn't touch anxiety/OCD,

tried inositol, and lots of other herbs/vitamins etc, nothing touched the OCD

for us, but it was severe. I know others have had results with Native Remedies

(think that's the brand).

Let us know what you end up doing and results - I'm always interested to hear of

anything that works! Will be interested to see other posts too.

Warmly,

Barb

>

> As anyone had a positive experience using alternative treatments for treating

anxiety/ocd? I guess I am thinking more of a chiropractor or an acupuncturist.

I have heard that these can be helpful and we were thinking of taking our 13

year old son to one (or both)

>

> What about those natural remedies? He is currently on 5 different meds, his

weight is increasing and I just hate the fact of all these meds.

>

> Thanks,

> Debbie

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Debbie, just repeating what Barb already replies. But overall I think most

have had success with inositol powder. Just a " either it will work or it won't "

but of things most parents here have tried, believe that worked more often than

some of the other.

We used it successfully in middle school. But trying it again later, didn't

touch the OCD. Was a " miracle " for us in middle school though.

Other products - Native Remedies, believe more than one family felt their

anxiety/OCD products helped. If you search our group archives for " native

remedies " it should turn up some with the product names.

Those 2 come to mind first with me. I know there have been other " alternatives "

but can't think of them now....

Are all 5 meds for OCD and anxiety??

>

> What about those natural remedies? He is currently on 5 different meds, his

weight is increasing and I just hate the fact of all these meds.

>

> Thanks,

> Debbie

>

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

We have used Native Remedies successfully a few years ago (Mindsoothe and Pure

Calm), but now we use OCDefense Vitamins (2 in morning, 1 at night) and find

just as much success, but for us the pills (vs. liquid drops) are easier to

use.  We also use Omegas (2 a day) and probiotics (2 a day).  I think the

OCDefense vitamins work better with the probiotic (we use Vitacost Probiotic

15-35 and Jarrow Formula EPA-DHA Balance for Omegas.  We order those both at

Vitacost.

 

I sometimes question how much ocd my son has anymore, but we ran out of the

vitamins for a week and last night (before he started taking again today) he

said he head was just swarming with thoughts ... we started again today and he

said he felt alot better.  So I guess, for him, they really do make a

difference.

 

Good luck!

in WA

 

 

________________________________

To:

Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 10:13 AM

Subject: Re: Alternative Treatments

 

Hi Debbie, just repeating what Barb already replies. But overall I think most

have had success with inositol powder. Just a " either it will work or it won't "

but of things most parents here have tried, believe that worked more often than

some of the other.

We used it successfully in middle school. But trying it again later, didn't

touch the OCD. Was a " miracle " for us in middle school though.

Other products - Native Remedies, believe more than one family felt their

anxiety/OCD products helped. If you search our group archives for " native

remedies " it should turn up some with the product names.

Those 2 come to mind first with me. I know there have been other " alternatives "

but can't think of them now....

Are all 5 meds for OCD and anxiety??

>

> What about those natural remedies? He is currently on 5 different meds, his

weight is increasing and I just hate the fact of all these meds.

>

> Thanks,

> Debbie

>

[Guest guest]

Debbie,

We have used Native Remedies successfully a few years ago (Mindsoothe and Pure

Calm), but now we use OCDefense Vitamins (2 in morning, 1 at night) and find

just as much success, but for us the pills (vs. liquid drops) are easier to

use.  We also use Omegas (2 a day) and probiotics (2 a day).  I think the

OCDefense vitamins work better with the probiotic (we use Vitacost Probiotic

15-35 and Jarrow Formula EPA-DHA Balance for Omegas.  We order those both at

Vitacost.

 

I sometimes question how much ocd my son has anymore, but we ran out of the

vitamins for a week and last night (before he started taking again today) he

said he head was just swarming with thoughts ... we started again today and he

said he felt alot better.  So I guess, for him, they really do make a

difference.

 

Good luck!

in WA

 

 

________________________________

To:

Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2012 10:13 AM

Subject: Re: Alternative Treatments

 

Hi Debbie, just repeating what Barb already replies. But overall I think most

have had success with inositol powder. Just a " either it will work or it won't "

but of things most parents here have tried, believe that worked more often than

some of the other.

We used it successfully in middle school. But trying it again later, didn't

touch the OCD. Was a " miracle " for us in middle school though.

Other products - Native Remedies, believe more than one family felt their

anxiety/OCD products helped. If you search our group archives for " native

remedies " it should turn up some with the product names.

Those 2 come to mind first with me. I know there have been other " alternatives "

but can't think of them now....

Are all 5 meds for OCD and anxiety??

>

> What about those natural remedies? He is currently on 5 different meds, his

weight is increasing and I just hate the fact of all these meds.

>

> Thanks,

> Debbie

>

[Guest guest]

Yes they are! He's on Fluoxetine 30 mg., Gabapentin 600 mg., Abilify 10 mg

(these are once daily) and Guanfacine 2 mg and Hydroxyzine Pam 50 mg (these are

both twice daily). He has anxiety/OCD and Aspergers.

I hate him being on all these, but to be honest I am a bit afraid to try and

stop them not knowing how he would handle it. We are really hoping with

age/maturity that he will be able to help himself with self-talk and knowing

what sets him off and how to settle himself and get off some of these and

perhaps only take one to help with his anxiety. Time will tell I guess!

Debbie

> >

> > What about those natural remedies? He is currently on 5 different meds, his

weight is increasing and I just hate the fact of all these meds.

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Debbie

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Do you use these along with prescribed medications?

Debbie

>

> Debbie,

> We have used Native Remedies successfully a few years ago (Mindsoothe and Pure

Calm), but now we use OCDefense Vitamins (2 in morning, 1 at night) and find

just as much success, but for us the pills (vs. liquid drops) are easier to

use.  We also use Omegas (2 a day) and probiotics (2 a day).  I think the

OCDefense vitamins work better with the probiotic (we use Vitacost Probiotic

15-35 and Jarrow Formula EPA-DHA Balance for Omegas.  We order those both at

Vitacost.

>  

> I sometimes question how much ocd my son has anymore, but we ran out of the

vitamins for a week and last night (before he started taking again today) he

said he head was just swarming with thoughts ... we started again today and he

said he felt alot better.  So I guess, for him, they really do make a

difference.

>  

> Good luck!

> in WA

>  

>  

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the suggestions....will definitely look into this.

Debbie

> >

> > As anyone had a positive experience using alternative treatments for

treating anxiety/ocd? I guess I am thinking more of a chiropractor or an

acupuncturist. I have heard that these can be helpful and we were thinking of

taking our 13 year old son to one (or both)

> >

> > What about those natural remedies? He is currently on 5 different meds, his

weight is increasing and I just hate the fact of all these meds.

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Debbie

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Is this powder over-the-counter?

Debbie

> >

> > What about those natural remedies? He is currently on 5 different meds, his

weight is increasing and I just hate the fact of all these meds.

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Debbie

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Is this powder over-the-counter?

Debbie

> >

> > What about those natural remedies? He is currently on 5 different meds, his

weight is increasing and I just hate the fact of all these meds.

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Debbie

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Debbie, inositol powder is OTC. But pretty expensive in stores locally (I've

found, WHEN you can find it). Best to buy online (I did) for price and size of

bottle. Locally it would have been the same amount of $ for a small bottle that

I'd pay online for a bottle twice the size. I use iherb.com but I know there

are other places that sell it, probably vitacost.com and more, just shop around.

> >

> > Hi Debbie, just repeating what Barb already replies. But overall I think

most have had success with inositol powder. Just a " either it will work or it

won't " but of things most parents here have tried, believe that worked more

often than some of the other.

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi! I have always looked to alternative ways of treating things other than pills

but I do understand and acknowledge that some  people cannot function without

it. What works for one won't always work for another. With that said, my son has

shifted his focus/obsessions to something he truly enjoys.!!HOCKEY In the

beginning(3 yrs. ago) when he first played on a team, I couldn't figure out if

he truly had a love for the sport/game or was this a quick fix to his anxiety.

Needless to say, it has helped regardless of the reason behind his interest.

Long story short, he wants to play college hockey and is truly committed and

disciplined in his sport. I just wonder if it is hard for some kids to shift

their minds/attention away from the negative thoughts and turn to something that

is positive that can help them concour their anxiety/ocd

Pam L.

[Guest guest]

We have tried multiple alternatives since our child was dx at age 3 ( now almost

13 years ago) and I was anxious about starting meds at 3 ( although it was

recommended). Here is the rundown

Diet ( avoiding simple carbs and artificial ingredients) and vitamins including

high B vit, and fish oil- very helpful. If he would do gluten free I am sure it

would be even better

inositol- same effects and side effects as zoloft, but at 3x the price- went

back to zoloft

Homeopathy- worked great for hives and reactive skin, but not so great for OCD

Hypnosis- Worked great for motivation to do ERP ( worked with motivation under

hypnotic suggestion) but would not rec for OCD itself

Sleep-Outstanding!!!!!!!!

Craniiosacral- great for general calming, overall health, and body awareness, no

effect on the OCD per se

Some weird hands on energy worker of some kind- He thought this was the most

helpful thing he has ever done besides ERP

Accupuncture- good for general health, no effect on OCD

Teaching him meditation- very effective for general health and anxiety reduction

but no effect on OCD

Biofeedback ( heartmath)- good for general relaxation but no effect on OCD

I am sure there are others, but in the end, the best thing for us has been good

CBT/ ERP along with zoloft (not without it's side effects especially at high

doses, but if we stay below 50 mg we are good), good sleep, good food and lots

of exercise ( 3 season varsity athlete and summer all star travel lacrosse

league)

I am thinking of trying a shamen, as I know people who have had great luck with

that, but for the moment he is doing well and already thinks I am weird

enough!!!! All this from a physician mom and part time craniosacral therapist,

with a physician dad and part time accupuncturist.

I have Native Remidies Mindsooth and purecalm, sitting in my cabnet, but have

never used it. One of them has St s Wort in is so should not be taken with

SSRI

[Guest guest]

Enjoyed reading your post . You've tried almost as much stuff as we have!

Didn't know that there were two docs in your house. Encouraging that you are

both open to alternative stuff. Don't dismiss that " weird " energy stuff, I can

vouch for that! Interesting about hypnosis helping to do ERP, might just check

that out!

Thanks for not outing me about the Shaman. Oops, I just did If anyone is

interested, here is a link to the person we used -

www.shamanicconnection.com ()

For us, it was a turning point in our son's recovery. It helped him to separate

from the OCD - he had fused with it, had no insight. Impossible to work with

unless they gain insight and externalize the OCD.

I also believe our son was experiencing dissociation much of the time just to

cope. I equate it to PTSD, only with extreme anxiety/OCD it is ongoing, and if

you get no relief, at some point I think something " snaps " just to cope. Our

son also had such traumatizing experiences with hospitalization and other, that

this was a way to heal that too.

What the Shaman did is called soul recovery, and is about bringing a person back

to themselves and to wholeness. I would be happy to talk to anyone about our

experience with this, off line. I believe they now have something up on

youtube.

Warmly,

Barb

>

> We have tried multiple alternatives since our child was dx at age 3 ( now

almost 13 years ago) and I was anxious about starting meds at 3 ( although it

was recommended). Here is the rundown

>

> Diet ( avoiding simple carbs and artificial ingredients) and vitamins

including high B vit, and fish oil- very helpful. If he would do gluten free I

am sure it would be even better

>

> inositol- same effects and side effects as zoloft, but at 3x the price- went

back to zoloft

>

> Homeopathy- worked great for hives and reactive skin, but not so great for OCD

>

> Hypnosis- Worked great for motivation to do ERP ( worked with motivation under

hypnotic suggestion) but would not rec for OCD itself

>

> Sleep-Outstanding!!!!!!!!

>

> Craniiosacral- great for general calming, overall health, and body awareness,

no effect on the OCD per se

>

> Some weird hands on energy worker of some kind- He thought this was the most

helpful thing he has ever done besides ERP

>

> Accupuncture- good for general health, no effect on OCD

>

> Teaching him meditation- very effective for general health and anxiety

reduction but no effect on OCD

>

> Biofeedback ( heartmath)- good for general relaxation but no effect on OCD

>

> I am sure there are others, but in the end, the best thing for us has been

good CBT/ ERP along with zoloft (not without it's side effects especially at

high doses, but if we stay below 50 mg we are good), good sleep, good food and

lots of exercise ( 3 season varsity athlete and summer all star travel lacrosse

league)

>

> I am thinking of trying a shamen, as I know people who have had great luck

with that, but for the moment he is doing well and already thinks I am weird

enough!!!! All this from a physician mom and part time craniosacral therapist,

with a physician dad and part time accupuncturist.

>

> I have Native Remidies Mindsooth and purecalm, sitting in my cabnet, but have

never used it. One of them has St s Wort in is so should not be taken with

SSRI

>

[Guest guest]

,

Can I jump in? I see from your post on 6/22 you mentioned that inositol had

side effects (like Zoloft). May I ask what those side effects are?

Also you mentioned Heartmath for relaxation. Next week we're going to try

this with our son. Did you see improvement of anx symptoms?

Thanks,

Vicki

[Guest guest]

Inositol is a seratonin precursor so in the end ends up increasing the amount of

seratonin you body has to use. Zoloft is an SSRI which blocks the reuptake of

seratonin therby increasing the amount of seratonin your body has to use. Both

make my particular child " activated " with inhibition release. Meaning, more

impulsive, agitated, lying, swearing, stealing, fighting etc and prozac (

antoher SSRI) made him suicidal at a very low dose. Zoloft helped with his OCD

but there was a trade off for the side effects. I always said we turned him form

a lovable, pathetic dysfunctional kid, into a functional sociopath with the

meds ;0) We tried inositol instead, hoping we would get the same effect

without the side effects, but I think he gets activated by seritonin, no matter

the form it comes in.

Re heartmath- I think it is a great relaxation technique and fantastic for

general health. If you buy the machine , you can do it at home and dont have

to go anywhere , but it did not help OCD at all for us. The only thing proven

to actually help OCD is CBT/ ERP and then the meds unless you are talking PANS/

PANDAS