So worried about DD...

[runner2]

My almost-16-yr-old had a virus a few weeks before Christmas, just a couple of days into her GCSE mock exams. She was very anxious and stressed as she had to take time off school and wasn't even well enough to revise. She managed to complete all her exams by the end of term by doing some missed papers at home, and actually did extremely well. However, on returning to school after Christmas the anxiety and stress kicked in again with a vengeance and her distress has been so frequent and so great that she is missing a lot of school. A visit to GP led to a blood test - which has come back "all clear" - but nothing more. DD has just started weekly counselling, which we very much hope will help her manage the anxiety and sadness she says she's feeling, but the persistent tiredness is making me wonder if this is actually partly physical as well - post-viral perhaps? Is the depression causing the fatigue, or is it the other way round? Could it be Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? I'm so confused and bewildered.

How on earth do we get a "proper" diagnosis?

[Runningtokeepstill]

Can't help with regards to persuing the right diagnosis but I have a 16 year old ds with a mixture of physical health and anxiety issues. He took GCSE's last year.

He was off school from late November in year 11 and studied from home using resources from school and some tuition from the LA service for children with health problems. He caught up with missed assessments at home, under the tutor's supervision and took his GCSE exams at home, with a TA from school supervising. He was on a reduced number of GCSE's due to his medical history but passed the ones he took. They don't reflect his ability but it was enough to get him into college. So if the situation with your dd does continue for the next few months it could still be possible to continue her courses, if she's up to it, even if she's not in school.

Of course sorting out her health is the most important thing. The hard part is convincing dc of this age that all is not lost if they have to take time out and sit exams later. My ds has got a little better at accepting this.

[Iceyard]

I would imagine it's more than likely being anxious and worrying about her exams causing the fatigue, hopefully after a few weeks of counselling, she'll be able to feel more relaxed. Also, make it clear that you are happy to discuss anything with her and will not judge her on anything you discuss. This is quite common in this age group.

[runner2]

I took her back to the GP today. He has recommended another blood test to make sure it isn't glandular fever (really don't think it is that) then a follow-up appt with him to "make a plan" re how to manage this on an ongoing basis. He is providing a letter for school to cover her absences. I'm feeling a bit more positive, with GP's support plus school being more pro-active, and, yes, hopefully the counselling will start to make an impact in the coming weeks.