DS has always been a worrier, separation anxiety etc etc. Last year a close friend of mine died and since then DS anxiety about my whereabouts whilst he's at school, not wanting me to go out, not wanting to go to after school clubs etc without me staying, reluctance to stay over at grandparents has got increasingly difficult. This anxiety has started to manifest itself in repeated touching of items around the house. it started at a minimum level mainly before bed but has now extended to items around the house during the day, before leaving for school, in the car and then he tells me at school.
He had a bad episode end of May and broke down in tears saying it was driving him mad. Poor boy is desperate with it.
As an aside, I myself have suffered from anxiety since I was 23 (prob before then too but that was my first panic attack, 20 yrs ago). I have had two major episodes since then. My mother and brother both also suffer. All of us have always 'coped' with life in general at the same time. I did 2 years therapy 10 years ago and have taken AD's 3 times, at the moment on 100mg Sertraline and it really helps my anxiety levels. Apart from that I have a good life, plenty of support and friends, an understanding and patient DH and two lovely kids. Myself and DH are close to family.
So, back to current, DS goes to a lovely local primary. He's sensitive but sociable and has a good set of friends. He gets stuck in and does plenty of sports which are his 'thing' ( and seem to bolster his self esteem) but it's the ocd which is getting to him and he can't understand his anxiety. We have found a CBT child psychiatrist locally and so far had 5 sessions. he he seems to be getting worse with the OCD and although can intellectualise what the lady says can't seem to emotionally connect to it. he says that he wants to stop the touching rituals but he says he can't seem to do it/ doesn't want to do it. I am wondering if the CBT has temporarily heightened the anxiety. I am so worried he'll end up having to take medication.
So far, he goes into school, often wobbly, but in all the same. He says people are starting to comment on his touching and I. Can see this might be difficult if he starts to get teased. I have been given things to do with him by the therapist but I am wondering whether he can fully engage given his age ?
What are your experiences ? Would medication even be considered in a child so young. So horrible to think it might come to that but equally I'm struggling to see where the CBT is going.
Thanks for your patience reading this far
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