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Child mental health

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Sertroline or fluoxetine for 10 year old?

2 replies

user6697 · 21/02/2021 11:41

My 10 year old DS has strong emotional lability, probably due to ADHD, as well as strong social anxiety and to a lesser degree OCD and body dysmorphia. I am really concerned that the social anxiety especially is preventing him from opportunities to make friends and learn social skills, learn at school as he is too focussed on worrying about "getting into trouble" or being asked a question, too afraid to even ask to go to the toilet. He is doing CBT but it is really slow going and I can see he would have to do this on a very long term basis for it to have any impact. All the while, he is missing on so many opportunities in life and developing a negative view of himself which will follow him through his adult life. His emotional outbursts are so stressfull on the whole family as well and I've needed to take sertraline myself in the past in order to be able to handle the anxiety caused by his constant outbursts. It seems as though SSRI's are only given to children this age with OCD. Is this true? Does anyone have experience of this? What age would these medications be considered for the anxiety and emotional regulation? Also does anyone know of a good psychiatrist near London who specialises in these issues?

OP posts:
1skipforward2back · 21/02/2021 12:12

Antidepressants can be given for things other than OCD in children. They aren't all licensed for use, but CAMHS can, and do, prescribe them. In most (?all) CCGs GPS can not prescribe to children. Fluoxetine tends to be the preferred first line choice.

An ADHD assessment and subsequent medication if necessary may be as helpful or even more so.

Jenibluebell · 03/03/2021 21:19

Hi im going through very similar with my DS 10
He has autism and has developed severe body dysmorphia over how his tummy looks and his self esteem is so low and have been experiencing the same as you its so difficult. He isnt on any meds as yet
Sending hugs xxx

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