Anxiety and OCD

September 6, 2001

Hi Tammy:

I think this is a pretty typical question, particularly when there are

comorbids and they are learning about our kids sexual obsessions. This is

more likely to happen with therapists who are psychodynamically trained.

Such questions are a typical part of a psychiatric/psychological workup in

my experience with Steve.

BTW we took him to over a dozen docs before finding a good match, and this

question was frequent. At first I was shocked as I don't believe he was

ever alone with any adult other than his father or me. He was always in

group daycare with multiple caregivers dealing with a group of kids. After

a while I got used to the question. Take care, aloha, Kathy (h)

kathyh@...

At 06:55 PM 9/10/01 EDT, you wrote:

>I have a question. When at the first psych appointment. She asked my son if

>he had been molested? Is this a question that is usually asked? My son nor

I

>gave her any reason for her to ask this question.

>

>Tammy in Pa

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September 7, 2001

In a message dated 9/7/01 4:34:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time, @... writes:

This thinking came about partly because the school hasn't noticed anything this year. And partly where I was talking to another psychologist about if anyone in this area is familiar with treating OCD (no!). And during the conversation, I got to thinking and voiced the thought that since basically wouldn't be SHOWING any OCD rituals to a therapist, it's still basically up to ME to have to work with him on his issues.

Chris--

First, PEER PRESSURE is a HUGE motivator to keep 's OCD under control. Think back to high school. Remember THOSE days of holding it all in when we wanted to SCREAM??? looks like the perfect angel around others, except at home ---around his family. He let's loose around us and aren't we the lucky ones? Please don't feel guilty. You know this isn't YOUR fault. That's unearned guilt.

Secondly, stress doesn't HELP someone who is prone to be sensitive to it, but it doesn't CAUSE it, silly head! Did I cause to start twirling my hair at age 1 month? When his older brothers said "Oooo, yuk. The spaghetti looks like snakes and worms!' - did that cause to ask me over and over again - 50 times a day- if his food had snakes and worms in it-- fearing contamination? Nope. A normal 7 year old brain would have dismissed it as funny too, or questioned it ONCE or twice and MOVED ON! Does 's brothers, who used to fight ALL the time, cause to ask me over and over and over again if he was going to PUKE? Nope. You know it's not your fault-- nor your other son's fault! Afterall, I was raised in an extremely explosive environment (due to my father's alcoholism)-- but I don't have OCD! I may be a little more DISTRUSTING than your average person, but it's not in my genes. I might have a ADDICTION gene (like being addicted to email, LOL) but-- no OCD here! So, rest assured, you didn't cause this. Your family stress level isn't causing this either. Chalk it up to a roll of the dice.

And, who cares what outsiders think, anyway? Some of the BEST pyschiatrists in the world are clueless about OCD.

Thirdly, WILL show his OCD to his therapist eventually. 's first few meetings w/ his therapist resulted in ZERO OCD *rituals* being displayed. However, she jumped right in doing ERP--- creating an extremely ANXIOUS . He refrained from asking me the 10,000 questions, but his leg was jumping up and down, he was extremely hyper (and he's normally not hyper), he twirled his hair into KNOTS and then started to work on knotting MINE.... and it was VERY apparent that was freaking out over the discussion of germs and getting sick. That was back in May and June-- when he started w/ his therapist. NOW, a couple of short months later, he's *so* comfortable with her, he gets moody, yells at her, tells HER she's yelling at HIM (when she's not , tries to ask her reassurance questions, asks ME reassurance questions in her presense, etc. It's all VERY obvious now. His therapist sees it all. And, she knew it from the beginning anyway. He can run, but he can't hide-- from a GOOD therapist! Especially with a GREAT mom on the team-- like YOU!!!

And, last but not least (and this is just my OPINION) but, NO-- I do not think you should be doing 100% of the ERP on all by yourself (unless you WANTED to). This is his therapists job (that's why you're paying him/her). Your job is to be the reporter-- reporting new symptoms (either in writing or verbally) and let THEM ( and his therapist) work on those (big) issues. Sure-- you can do the little stuff at home (like not answering reassurance questions, and things that are at the bottom of his hierarchy of fears, etc) , but cut yourself some slack and let (12 years old?) take some responsibility for his own mental health. He'll be more motivated to do the work, too, IMO, if you're not WAY too involved. I think there needs to be some SEPARATION, especially with dependency issues between child and parent. Afterall, we're supposed to be teaching them how to be responsible adults one day. Many MANY adults are able to cope, survive and THRIVE with OCD. This is MY goal for -- to be able to lead an independent life. And, I have NO doubts that it WILL happen.

Just some thoughts.... I hope this helped.

(((lots of hugs to you))))

Joni

P.S. You also wrote:

Anyway, I "felt" the psychologist thought that it's a "family" and "anxiety" thing. And "I" try to think of OCD as a brain disorder because of serotonin, etc., that can get worse during anxiety. Is my thinking wrong???

Chris-- Did the therapist *SAY* it's a 'family thing?' I can tell that you're an NF (iNtuitive Feeler) -- and we are wonderful people, but we have this teeny, little 'problem.' According to Keirsey (the MBTI- personality test), NF's are brilliantly perceptive, but can make mistakes in judgment, which works to their discomfort. We may be absolutely correct in our perceptions/hunches (you 'felt' the psychologist thinking it's an anxiety thing) but wrong in our conclusions (that this must mean that s/he doesn't view it as a brain disorder-- she views it as a FAMILY anxiety thing!! ack!!).

I do this all the time too. I jump to the wrong conclusions. We have no idea what the psychologist was TRULY thinking, now do we? We FEEL things and pick up on things, but sometimes we make mistakes that confirm our own biases.

But! Sometimes our hunches are absolutely CORRECT-- and if you 'feel' that this pyschologist is clueless, why do you care what s/he thinks, anyway?? Go find a GOOD psychologist, pick his/her brains... and ask them directly:

"Do you think OCD is genetic, environmental, or both?" If s/he says:

Environmental ONLY-- RUN for your life and take your wallet with YOU !!!!

September 7, 2001

I can see that family problems are not the cause of ocd or else all

my kids would have it, and the ones undergoing unusual stress (like

my 2 yr old who broke his femur, or my 7 yr old who was recently

nearly accosted in a pool locker room-neither of which demonstrated

any unusual anxiety) would be suffering the more from it.

The kids who do have it are apparently genetically predisposed, and

normal stress can trigger it. Or difficult stress that does not

trigger anxiety/ocd in the majority of kids, will set off a

predisposed child. My 9 yr old was triggered, I believe, in part by

seeing her dog get hit by a car, but my 7yr old and 4 yr old saw the

whole thing too, and had no ill effects, did not cry for days, and do

not still talk about it. It is hard when people wonder what you may

be doing at home to exacerbate the child's anxiety, it is the blame

that is almost inevitable, since even if the conditions are believed

to be brain disorders, there is no definitive way to prove it as of

yet. I wonder if someday the relevant gene(s) will be found.

Are you remarking on the terms, as well? I use the word " anxiety "

more lately, than ocd, because the obsessions and compulsions seem

transient and treatable ( " throw it away b/c it is junk mail " ) while

the general anxiety and tendency to panic seems more oppressive. I

thought my daughters had developed full blown BDD over the summer,

but now they seem only mildly disturbed by it (hope I am right)so I

just call their conditions " anxiety with panic " or sometimes " ocd

spectrums " . The o's and c's in their cases are not so pronounced.

Grace

@y..., @h... wrote:

> If anyone can explain this to me, please do. I'm getting tired of

> psychologists, school personnel, etc., thinking that 's OCD

is

> related to the " family " issues. I KNOW that it's stressful at home

> (brothers stressing him out, schoolwork, ME GETTING TIRED OF OCD

some

> nights when I'm not as patient!) but I get the feeling that THEY

> think it's some underlying " family issue " that's causing 's

> OCD.

>

> If OCD is a brain disorder, then I guess it's classified as

> an " anxiety disorder " because WHY???? Because people with OCD are

> having anxiety which makes it worse???

>

> Anyway, because HOLDS IT BACK when at school or out in the

> community or when a friend is over but SHOWS his OCD when at home

> with us, I get the feeling THEY think it's family related. Now if

> this is true, then I do feel guilty!!

>

> This thinking came about partly because the school hasn't noticed

> anything this year. And partly where I was talking to another

> psychologist about if anyone in this area is familiar with treating

> OCD (no!). And during the conversation, I got to thinking and

voiced

> the thought that since basically wouldn't be SHOWING any

OCD

> rituals to a therapist, it's still basically up to ME to have to

work

> with him on his issues. I mean, is able to do everything

> somewhere else or in front of someone else; but at home " with us "

is

> where he does the on/off/on/off repetitive stuff, goes through

> his " ritual " before getting on the beds, needs pushed through the

> bathroom door, won't touch/open some doors, gets his " body "

> stuck/can't move (weird!), etc. He wouldn't do any of this in

front

> of a therapist, even at our home. So it's up to ME to work with

him

> on them.

>

> Anyway, I " felt " the psychologist thought that it's a " family "

> and " anxiety " thing. And " I " try to think of OCD as a brain

disorder

> because of serotonin, etc., that can get worse during anxiety. Is

my

> thinking wrong???

>

> Thanks for any input!!

>

September 9, 2001

No, you're not wrong. OCD is a neurobiological disorder that researchers

strongly believe is related to seritonin because SSRI's help OCD symptoms.

Don't let them try to make you think differently. It frustrates me to no

end when anyone implies such a thing -- obviously, they are not

knowledgeable about OCD. Maybe give them some articles or a book to borrow

so they can be more versed about it. I KNOW your frustration.

Sorry this reply is so late, but I'm just getting around to looking at my

posts.

Tamra

(ocdmom2001)

Anxiety and OCD

> If anyone can explain this to me, please do. I'm getting tired of

> psychologists, school personnel, etc., thinking that 's OCD is

> related to the " family " issues. I KNOW that it's stressful at home

> (brothers stressing him out, schoolwork, ME GETTING TIRED OF OCD some

> nights when I'm not as patient!) but I get the feeling that THEY

> think it's some underlying " family issue " that's causing 's

> OCD.

>

> If OCD is a brain disorder, then I guess it's classified as

> an " anxiety disorder " because WHY???? Because people with OCD are

> having anxiety which makes it worse???

>

> Anyway, because HOLDS IT BACK when at school or out in the

> community or when a friend is over but SHOWS his OCD when at home

> with us, I get the feeling THEY think it's family related. Now if

> this is true, then I do feel guilty!!

>

> This thinking came about partly because the school hasn't noticed

> anything this year. And partly where I was talking to another

> psychologist about if anyone in this area is familiar with treating

> OCD (no!). And during the conversation, I got to thinking and voiced

> the thought that since basically wouldn't be SHOWING any OCD

> rituals to a therapist, it's still basically up to ME to have to work

> with him on his issues. I mean, is able to do everything

> somewhere else or in front of someone else; but at home " with us " is

> where he does the on/off/on/off repetitive stuff, goes through

> his " ritual " before getting on the beds, needs pushed through the

> bathroom door, won't touch/open some doors, gets his " body "

> stuck/can't move (weird!), etc. He wouldn't do any of this in front

> of a therapist, even at our home. So it's up to ME to work with him

> on them.

>

> Anyway, I " felt " the psychologist thought that it's a " family "

> and " anxiety " thing. And " I " try to think of OCD as a brain disorder

> because of serotonin, etc., that can get worse during anxiety. Is my

> thinking wrong???

>

> Thanks for any input!!

>

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September 9, 2001

Hi

Nothing like ignorance to make one feel alone in the world! Wasn't it

Gallileo (Copernicus?) who was jailed for his belief that the sun was

the center of our solar system rather than the earth????? It's no

excuse - but there is still the " old " belief that if it takes a

psychiatrist to fix the problem, then it must be behavioral - and, of

course, something " mom " did.

It seems to me that people who are trained to help folks who are

genuinely struggling with behavioral or emotional issues, can become

as tunnel visioned as some physicians.....the issue that it is

_either_ psychological _or_ medical - but can't be both. Some circles

are becoming more aware that our bodies and minds are truely

inseparable and are dependent on each other.....but there needs to be

a " psychological revolution " that hits everyone - doctors, teachers,

parents and the insurance industry(grrrr).

But, I also can't help remembering _my_ reaction to Ben when he began

to show the OCD, and I hadn't a CLUE what was going on. I was

irritated, exasperated and angry that he would do such weird,

annoying stuff. I fully believed it was within his control to stop

the " behavior " . This is not to defend those folks who have made you

feel that way - not the LEAST the psychologist! I am still a bit

mystified as to why the first therapist we brought Ben to see, didn't

take the time to find out everything he could about OCD when he began

working with Ben. He was completely unfamiliar with any of the books

I had been reading.

.....anyway, you _are_ on the right track, I'm so sorry you

don't have the support in your son's community that you and he need.

But _YOU_ know what's happening and, I guess, the best we can all do

is to keep educating those around us about the realities of

OCD.....my guess is, for those of you who have been doing this for a

while, you must feel like broken records after a while.......

Terry in NY

> Anxiety and OCD

>

> If anyone can explain this to me, please do. I'm getting tired

of

> psychologists, school personnel, etc., thinking that 's

OCD is

> related to the " family " issues. I KNOW that it's stressful at

home

> (brothers stressing him out, schoolwork, ME GETTING TIRED OF OCD

some

> nights when I'm not as patient!) but I get the feeling that THEY

> think it's some underlying " family issue " that's causing

's

> OCD.

>

> If OCD is a brain disorder, then I guess it's classified as

> an " anxiety disorder " because WHY???? Because people with OCD

are

> having anxiety which makes it worse???

>

> Anyway, because HOLDS IT BACK when at school or out in

the

> community or when a friend is over but SHOWS his OCD when at home

> with us, I get the feeling THEY think it's family related. Now

if

> this is true, then I do feel guilty!!

>

> This thinking came about partly because the school hasn't noticed

> anything this year. And partly where I was talking to another

> psychologist about if anyone in this area is familiar with

treating

> OCD (no!). And during the conversation, I got to thinking and

voiced

> the thought that since basically wouldn't be SHOWING any

OCD

> rituals to a therapist, it's still basically up to ME to have to

work

> with him on his issues. I mean, is able to do everything

> somewhere else or in front of someone else; but at home " with us "

is

> where he does the on/off/on/off repetitive stuff, goes through

> his " ritual " before getting on the beds, needs pushed through the

> bathroom door, won't touch/open some doors, gets his " body "

> stuck/can't move (weird!), etc. He wouldn't do any of this in

front

> of a therapist, even at our home. So it's up to ME to work with

him

> on them.

>

> Anyway, I " felt " the psychologist thought that it's a " family "

> and " anxiety " thing. And " I " try to think of OCD as a brain

disorder

> because of serotonin, etc., that can get worse during anxiety.

Is my

> thinking wrong???

>

> Thanks for any input!!

>

September 10, 2001

Dear ,

I see you are from Massachusetts. May I ask just where?

I am originally from Springfield, myself and have family scattered

throughout the state. I try to get back there at least once a year, mostly

in summer because of my schedule (and because of my sister's place on the

Cape.)

I must say, you are in the best state for OCD treatment, in my opinion.

But then I guess I am probably prejudiced on that score.

Take care,

Jackie (reluctantly in Indiana!)

September 10, 2001

Chris:

--- @... wrote:

> If anyone can explain this to me, please do. I'm

> getting tired of

> psychologists, school personnel, etc., thinking that

> 's OCD is

> related to the " family " issues. I KNOW that it's

> stressful at home

> (brothers stressing him out, schoolwork, ME GETTING

> TIRED OF OCD some

> nights when I'm not as patient!) but I get the

> feeling that THEY

> think it's some underlying " family issue " that's

> causing 's

> OCD.

My son has the exact same symptoms. He usually is

fine until he gets home. Some days are better than

others. When he is having a bad day he is difficult

to deal with. I find that there are days when I have

little patients for his OCD. However, according to

the literature and experience, OCD is not caused by

family issues. Family issues or problems may compound

OCD but it is no the root cause. Unfortunately, you

have come across professionals who know little about

OCD and its causes. I all I can say is have faith and

keep moving foreward in spite of those who don't

understand. In my case I have been very fortunate,

his teachers have been very understanding. When we

first were trying to diagnose my son's symptoms, a LSW

correctly diagnosed his symptoms and suggested we see

someone who specialize in OCD.

>

> If OCD is a brain disorder, then I guess it's

> classified as

> an " anxiety disorder " because WHY???? Because

> people with OCD are

> having anxiety which makes it worse???

I am not an expert but based on my experience it seems

that the medical community can't decide whether it is

a physical condition or a mental heatlh condition.

The LSW we saw said that it is a brain disorder. When

went to Childrens hospital in Boston, they told us

that it is a mental health issue and not a

neurological because it wasn't something that they

could Xray or see. When I went to the psychiatry

department they said that it is a neurological. When

we found him a CBT therapist he said that it was a

neurological.

I think that it is classified as an anxiety disorder

becuase OCD is still relatively new and becuase many

of the symptoms that OCD patients have are anxiety and

from what I understand many of the medications are

also used on people who suffer from anxiety disorders.

In a nut shell this problem is caused by a lack of

understanding and eduction

>

> Anyway, because HOLDS IT BACK when at school

> or out in the

> community or when a friend is over but SHOWS his OCD

> when at home

> with us, I get the feeling THEY think it's family

> related. Now if

> this is true, then I do feel guilty!!

My son does the same thing. The literature definitely

attributes OCD to a neurological disorder. Again the

problem is a lack of understanding and education

>

> This thinking came about partly because the school

> hasn't noticed

> anything this year. And partly where I was talking

> to another

> psychologist about if anyone in this area is

> familiar with treating

> OCD (no!). And during the conversation, I got to

> thinking and voiced

> the thought that since basically wouldn't be

> SHOWING any OCD

> rituals to a therapist, it's still basically up to

> ME to have to work

> with him on his issues. I mean, is able to

> do everything

> somewhere else or in front of someone else; but at

> home " with us " is

> where he does the on/off/on/off repetitive stuff,

> goes through

> his " ritual " before getting on the beds, needs

> pushed through the

> bathroom door, won't touch/open some doors, gets his

> " body "

> stuck/can't move (weird!), etc. He wouldn't do any

> of this in front

> of a therapist, even at our home. So it's up to ME

> to work with him

> on them.

Call the OC foundation and see if there is an OCD

theraptist in your area who specialize in children.

My son has been going since June and has finally

started opening to his therapist. Therapy for my son

involves my son, my wife and me. The therapist helped

explain to my son what OCD was and that it was liking

having diabetes. He will always have it and like

diabetes it is treatable. Most of the treatment of my

son falls with my wife and I. The therapist acts like

a coach to us suggesting techniques for my son.

>

> Anyway, I " felt " the psychologist thought that it's

> a " family "

> and " anxiety " thing. And " I " try to think of OCD as

> a brain disorder

> because of serotonin, etc., that can get worse

> during anxiety. Is my

> thinking wrong???

>

You are certainly not wrong. It seems that everyone

that you talked to is wrong. There are serveral good

books about OCD. I recommend picking one up and

reading it. It will provide you with valuable

information that you can share with those who know

little about OCD. I don't know if you have dealt with

insurance companies but they also think the same way

making it difficult for parents to send there children

to OCD experts who specailize in children. They too

label OCD as and anxiety disorder and feelt that any

therapist can help.

> Thanks for any input!!

>

I hope this helps. I wish you luck. Don't stop

moving foreward.

Best regards,

in MA

>

__________________________________________________

September 10, 2001

In a message dated 9/10/01 4:46:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time, kathyh@... writes:

I would like to send hugs and encouragement to parents who are being blamed

for "causing" OCD in their kids.

I have a question. When at the first psych appointment. She asked my son if he had been molested? Is this a question that is usually asked? My son nor I gave her any reason for her to ask this question.

Tammy in Pa

September 10, 2001

in Tx

Thanks, For answering me. I didn't think they would ask unless I or the child would bring it up. I think I would know! It just upset me I am an at home Mom so this is kinda hurtful. Thank you

Tammy

September 10, 2001

HI:

I would like to send hugs and encouragement to parents who are being blamed

for " causing " OCD in their kids. This happened to our family quite a bit

originally. What we learned was to recognize this as a sign that we needed

to find new mental health professionals who understood OCD.

OCD is a neurobiological disorder and we do not know what causes it. Any

statement to the contrary is mere speculation. There is considerable

evidence that this is a biologically based disorder with a learned

component. Whatever the cause, there is little good and a lot of harm that

comes from blaming people for causing illness in their beloved children. I

like how Dr. Koplewicz has titled his book, " It's Nobody's Fault.... " OCD

is a no-fault brain disorder and luckily we can treat it very effectively

without looking for causes.

IT seems very likely that OCD can be triggered in some cases by life

events. As family members we are usually part of these life events. My

take on this is our kids have a predisposition to develop OCD and something

will trigger it eventually. As parents we are responsible for our kids

recovery, not for their illness. Good luck finding m.h. professionals who

can welcome you on the treatment team and build on family strengths and not

get distracted by " family issues " . Take care, aloha, Kathy (h)

kathyh@...

At 10:31 AM 09/10/2001 -0700, you wrote:

>Chris:

>--- @... wrote:

>> If anyone can explain this to me, please do. I'm

>> getting tired of

>> psychologists, school personnel, etc., thinking that

>> 's OCD is

>> related to the " family " issues. I KNOW that it's

>> stressful at home

>> (brothers stressing him out, schoolwork, ME GETTING

>> TIRED OF OCD some

>> nights when I'm not as patient!) but I get the

>> feeling that THEY

>> think it's some underlying " family issue " that's

>> causing 's

>> OCD.

>My son has the exact same symptoms. He usually is

>fine until he gets home. Some days are better than

>others. When he is having a bad day he is difficult

>to deal with. I find that there are days when I have

>little patients for his OCD. However, according to

>the literature and experience, OCD is not caused by

>family issues. Family issues or problems may compound

>OCD but it is no the root cause. Unfortunately, you

>have come across professionals who know little about

>OCD and its causes. I all I can say is have faith and

>keep moving foreward in spite of those who don't

>understand. In my case I have been very fortunate,

>his teachers have been very understanding. When we

>first were trying to diagnose my son's symptoms, a LSW

>correctly diagnosed his symptoms and suggested we see

>someone who specialize in OCD.

>>

>> If OCD is a brain disorder, then I guess it's

>> classified as

>> an " anxiety disorder " because WHY???? Because

>> people with OCD are

>> having anxiety which makes it worse???

>I am not an expert but based on my experience it seems

>that the medical community can't decide whether it is

>a physical condition or a mental heatlh condition.

>The LSW we saw said that it is a brain disorder. When

>went to Childrens hospital in Boston, they told us

>that it is a mental health issue and not a

>neurological because it wasn't something that they

>could Xray or see. When I went to the psychiatry

>department they said that it is a neurological. When

>we found him a CBT therapist he said that it was a

>neurological.

>I think that it is classified as an anxiety disorder

>becuase OCD is still relatively new and becuase many

>of the symptoms that OCD patients have are anxiety and

>from what I understand many of the medications are

>also used on people who suffer from anxiety disorders.

> In a nut shell this problem is caused by a lack of

>understanding and eduction

>>

>> Anyway, because HOLDS IT BACK when at school

>> or out in the

>> community or when a friend is over but SHOWS his OCD

>> when at home

>> with us, I get the feeling THEY think it's family

>> related. Now if

>> this is true, then I do feel guilty!!

>My son does the same thing. The literature definitely

>attributes OCD to a neurological disorder. Again the

>problem is a lack of understanding and education

>>

>> This thinking came about partly because the school

>> hasn't noticed

>> anything this year. And partly where I was talking

>> to another

>> psychologist about if anyone in this area is

>> familiar with treating

>> OCD (no!). And during the conversation, I got to

>> thinking and voiced

>> the thought that since basically wouldn't be

>> SHOWING any OCD

>> rituals to a therapist, it's still basically up to

>> ME to have to work

>> with him on his issues. I mean, is able to

>> do everything

>> somewhere else or in front of someone else; but at

>> home " with us " is

>> where he does the on/off/on/off repetitive stuff,

>> goes through

>> his " ritual " before getting on the beds, needs

>> pushed through the

>> bathroom door, won't touch/open some doors, gets his

>> " body "

>> stuck/can't move (weird!), etc. He wouldn't do any

>> of this in front

>> of a therapist, even at our home. So it's up to ME

>> to work with him

>> on them.

>Call the OC foundation and see if there is an OCD

>theraptist in your area who specialize in children.

>My son has been going since June and has finally

>started opening to his therapist. Therapy for my son

>involves my son, my wife and me. The therapist helped

>explain to my son what OCD was and that it was liking

>having diabetes. He will always have it and like

>diabetes it is treatable. Most of the treatment of my

>son falls with my wife and I. The therapist acts like

>a coach to us suggesting techniques for my son.

>>

>> Anyway, I " felt " the psychologist thought that it's

>> a " family "

>> and " anxiety " thing. And " I " try to think of OCD as

>> a brain disorder

>> because of serotonin, etc., that can get worse

>> during anxiety. Is my

>> thinking wrong???

>>

>You are certainly not wrong. It seems that everyone

>that you talked to is wrong. There are serveral good

>books about OCD. I recommend picking one up and

>reading it. It will provide you with valuable

>information that you can share with those who know

>little about OCD. I don't know if you have dealt with

>insurance companies but they also think the same way

>making it difficult for parents to send there children

>to OCD experts who specailize in children. They too

>label OCD as and anxiety disorder and feelt that any

>therapist can help.

>> Thanks for any input!!

>>

>I hope this helps. I wish you luck. Don't stop

>moving foreward.

>

>Best regards,

> in MA

September 10, 2001

Tammy,

Yes, this is a standard question. Having seen more than a few psychiatrists and psychologists with my children and for myself, they always ask that, if there are any current problems with drugs or alcohol, or if the child or I feel suicidal. I think they are probably required by law to ask in the States since they can be prosecuted for not reporting suspected abuse.

in TX

I have a question. When at the first psych appointment. She asked my son if he had been molested? Is this a question that is usually asked? My son nor I gave her any reason for her to ask this question. Tammy in Pa

September 12, 2001

Jackie

I reside in West Bridgewater, which is next to

Brockton. I think you are right. There seems to be

an amply supply of OCD therapist here in MA who are

available and who specialize in children. In fact my

son's therapist has an office in Canton, which is 20

minutes away.

Regards

in MA

--- jackie48hr@... wrote:

> Dear ,

> I see you are from Massachusetts. May I ask

> just where?

> I am originally from Springfield, myself and

> have family scattered

> throughout the state. I try to get back there at

> least once a year, mostly

> in summer because of my schedule (and because of my

> sister's place on the

> Cape.)

> I must say, you are in the best state for OCD

> treatment, in my opinion.

> But then I guess I am probably prejudiced on that

> score.

> Take care,

> Jackie (reluctantly in Indiana!)

>

__________________________________________________

September 12, 2001

In a message dated 9/12/01 1:32:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time, kathyh@... writes:

BTW we took him to over a dozen docs before finding a good match, and this

question was frequent. At first I was shocked as I don't believe he was

ever alone with any adult other than his father or me. He was always in

group daycare with multiple caregivers dealing with a group of kids. After

a while I got used to the question. Take care, aloha, Kathy (h)

kathyh@...

Thanks Kathy, Aloha

Tammy in Pa

December 18, 2002

I am looking for a supplement to help with reducing OCD and

anxiety . Can anyone share their experiences with this? =0)

Maddie

December 18, 2002

Maddie, I can't really recommend a supplement for OCD, even though 5 HTP works

for some people. My sons have suffered from anxiety, selective mutism due to

anxiety, and fearfulness. It runs in the family and is perpetuated by mercury

poisoning. What has helped my 16 year old son a lot is a combination of

Freeda high potency iron free ULTRA FREEDA multi-vitamin and mineral

supplement, extra magnesium and potassium, and a product called ANXIETY CONTROL.

He takes 2 capsules of AC at night. He used to take 2 capsules in the morning

and 2 at night, but he has improved a lot with them, so now he justs needs 2 at

night. A very anxious person can take 2 capsules, 3 times a day. This is very

powerful stuff and is pharmaceutical quality. The big problem with it is

masking the flavor should a person want to open the capsules and take out the

contents. I get it from the Pain and Stress Center in San . 1-800-2256

I believe they have a website, also. Needs sells it, also. My 18 year old

autistic son does not swallow capsules, so this is a problem for him. I give

him plenty of magnesium, minerals, vitamins, Ojibwa Tea, Alvita Passion Flower

Tea, and Rescue Remedy as needed. I also give him 5 HTP a few times a week.

Maybe something here will help. Rose

[ ] Anxiety and OCD

I am looking for a supplement to help with reducing OCD and

anxiety . Can anyone share their experiences with this? =0)

Maddie

=======================================================

December 18, 2002

--- In , " Sondra " <hfa2@c...>

wrote:

> Rose i to read your words and to find you to share that our children

to have

> selective mutism maybe due from Mercury? I to be to have had

unexplained

> mutism in past actually it to be to happened about maybe 4 times or

when I

> to went through regressive spells and was under much distress and

anxiety

> and fears to consume me. I to be to feel numb with fear during these

times

> of regressions. So much anxiety and stress over any change in things

I to

> not liked. You to think Mercury to maybe caused this? I to be

wondering. I

> to know while being child often was in mental hospitals and locked

in wards

> with adults and such. No children's wards back then in my areas. but

when

> over whelmed would be to get restrained and given heavy doses of

injections

> into me that would be to make me sleep quickly and would be to wake

> restrained in leathers to the beds. I to be to never know what they

to gived

> me but as I to thinked on it I to wonder if thimerasol to be in

those

> injections to be as preservatives.

Unlikely. They were probably things like haldol that don't need a

preservative.

>I to had many of them and often then

> would be to have much regressions of skills but thinking this was

from the

> traumas of this life. I to be to still have intense fears of people

entering

> my space for this reason but am learning people now can be safe for

me. I to

> be to remember on things to be given was Thorozine?

Yes. One of the things like haldol. It is an " old " antipsychotic

medication which is pretty horrendous for anyone. It is called a

" major tranquilizer " for a good reason.

It does not, however, have thimerosal in it.

>I to not be to know why

> this word to be to get stuck in my head but think this to be one of

the

> medications I to be on in past as a child. Anyways do any to know if

the

> older injectable tranquilizers to had thimerasol in them.

No, but they did lots of damage on their own.

> Sondra

Are you in an adult home now? Which state

December 19, 2002

Rose i to read your words and to find you to share that our children to have

selective mutism maybe due from Mercury? I to be to have had unexplained

mutism in past actually it to be to happened about maybe 4 times or when I

to went through regressive spells and was under much distress and anxiety

and fears to consume me. I to be to feel numb with fear during these times

of regressions. So much anxiety and stress over any change in things I to

not liked. You to think Mercury to maybe caused this? I to be wondering. I

to know while being child often was in mental hospitals and locked in wards

with adults and such. No children's wards back then in my areas. but when

over whelmed would be to get restrained and given heavy doses of injections

into me that would be to make me sleep quickly and would be to wake

restrained in leathers to the beds. I to be to never know what they to gived

me but as I to thinked on it I to wonder if thimerasol to be in those

injections to be as preservatives. I to had many of them and often then

would be to have much regressions of skills but thinking this was from the

traumas of this life. I to be to still have intense fears of people entering

my space for this reason but am learning people now can be safe for me. I to

be to remember on things to be given was Thorozine? I to not be to know why

this word to be to get stuck in my head but think this to be one of the

medications I to be on in past as a child. Anyways do any to know if the

older injectable tranquilizers to had thimerasol in them.

Sondra

December 19, 2002

---Maddie,

my son is 4 and he had severe OCD. The things that helped him

completely " cure " this behavior is: really agressive yeast treatments

and HNI No-Fenol digestive enzymes. We use all 3 of the Houston

enzymes but I noticed the no-Fenol was like the icing on the cake that

finally erradicated the last of his OCD. However if he gets anything

with blue dye in it by accident the no-fenol does not help. Blue dye

is nasty stuff that brings out his OCD.

Hope this helps, Patti

In , " madelinemelissa

<madelinemelissa@y...> " <madelinemelissa@y...> wrote:

> I am looking for a supplement to help with reducing OCD and

> anxiety . Can anyone share their experiences with this? =0)

> Maddie

December 19, 2002

I to be an adult who is now free from these places but to be now married

with good husband to me. I to have 4 children and to live in Ohio. Back when

young they to not know of HFA so I was not properly dx. I was felt to be

emotionally disturbed and to have multiple dx under mental health through my

life time. When feared did be to do much self talk and pacing trying much

hard to calm my system and mentally process what to be in my environment

that to be not clear to me , they to felt it was psychosis back then but in

true this behavior is common among people of autism .

Sondra

December 19, 2002

Sondra, thanks for your message. I find that my children have, in my opinion,

selective mutism due to mercury poisoning. Selective mutism is a condition

where there is a failure to speak in uncomfortable settings, but can speak where

they feel comfortable. This failure to speak is caused by anxiety. Mercury

causes high levels of anxiety. I had my sons' hair tested and according to

the counting rules in the files, they have mercury poisoning.

There is a group at www.selectivemutism.org where they help people with

selective mutism (using prozac and cognitive behavioral therapy.) This is not a

rare condition anymore. They do not know about the mercury connection causing

the anxiety. I tried to tell them this, but they don't want to hear about it.

To this date, they maintain that they don't know what causes this anxiety. One

of my 2 son's went on to become autistic after the age of 12 after he had the

MMR booster shot. His immune system is really messed up, but we are really

working on it. I am chelating my sons for mercury poisoning so someday this

problem of selective mutism and autism will be no more.

I'm sorry you were locked up with the adults in the mental institution. This

must have been very horrible for you, being by yourself with a group of adults,

with people who did not understand your needs, and especially because you were

given thorazine at your young age. It seems to me you may be suffering from

post traumatic stress due to everything you had to endure. Nobody should have

to endure what you have gone through. I will certainly pray for you, for your

life to be better, and for you and your family to heal, in the name of Jesus.

When I was 12, my life was very sad because my sister who was married and had

her kids taken away by her husband, became extremely psychotic as a result.

Her husband stuck her in the mental institution where she was loaded with

thorazine. She finally came to live with us, when I was about 14, but it was

very difficult for all of us. She took high levels of thorazine for many years.

Now, she is stabilized and taking something else. We are in this group to help

each other. Good luck, Sondra! Rose

Re: [ ] Anxiety and OCD