My 12yo has ASD (low support needs) and OCD and sees a psychologist at CAHMS fortnightly. Their OCD is largely around handwashing/germs. Most days they just clean their hands a lot but they can get very upset if they are touched by others they consider unclean. This has been manageable at primary school but will be more difficult to manage at mainstream secondary from August (we are in Scotland). They are anxious generally and it has been hard to get them to engage in therapy because of this.
It has been suggested that they go on SSRIs. I am not sure about this as I have had little success with them myself (took them for about 10 years from 18, I am familiar with the childhood OCD to teenage ED and poor MH pipeline) and worry about side effects especially on the growing brain. It would be an easier decision if I believed they worked, but in my experience they don't.
Just wondering if anyone else has experience of themselves or their children going on an SSRIS at a young age. It would be fluoxitine or sertraline (both of which I've taken to no great postitve effect though sertraline had fewer side effects).
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Child mental health
12yo and SSRIs
SSRIdilemma · 06/03/2024 08:00
WardrobeNightmares · 08/03/2024 15:02
I have to disagree - fluoxetine is known to be very effective in the treatment of OCD, and not a huge doses. The effects could be life changing for your DC. I myself have a much younger child taking it and she's so much happier. I couldn't imagine withholding something that makes her able to cope. I don't think there's any evidence to show long term effects on developing brains. You could always try it and see how they get on and if no real effect then no harm done?
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