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Original poster

I'm desperate for some advice please re ds(14) with OCD

9 replies

MsMarthaMay · 10/10/2015 23:27

After an awful few months ds was diagnosed with OCD a few months ago. He is under camhs and seeing them weekly but I'm not sure we're getting anywhere.

I just really don't know how to help him. He gets so distressed because the rituals are controlling him. It some takes us 2 hours just to get him from the bathroom into bed. He gets very distressed and often just sits and cries Sad I really don't know how to help him. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
Nimble2014 · 10/10/2015 23:34

I'm so sorry - I have no advice to give. I just hope that someone else with some experience may come along and help. How ong has he been exhibiting symptoms?

HSMMaCM · 10/10/2015 23:39

When we started with Camhs they warned us it might get worse before it gets better. Have they given you any guidance ?

Original poster
MsMarthaMay · 10/10/2015 23:50

They haven't given me much guidance at all. Apart from the initial meeting ds goes in alone while I sit in the waiting room.

It has got worse though so hopefully it will start to get better soon.

It's just so painful to see your child suffering so much and not being able to make it better. I'm never sure what to say to him to help him. If I try and stop him doing his rituals he gets even more distressed. He wakes me up in the night because he's got up for a drink but then is struggling to go back to bed because he can't get the rituals right. It's exhausting for him.

OP posts:
Tiggeryoubastard · 10/10/2015 23:55

Also no real advice, but how awful for you all. Just make sure (although I'm sure you're exhausted and stressed) that you try to look after yourself as well. I hope you get the help you need.

Nimble2014 · 11/10/2015 00:19

Is there a support group you could join? I know that there can be a lot of support through these groups, and maybe they will have a more sympathetic attitude towards you? (As opposed to the nhs.) which treats you like a case number. My baby brother had ocd, but I can't remember how he overcame it. I do remember how worried we were over it though, and that it was a massive issue when he was going through it.
By the way - he has completely recovered and has no lasting issues. So there can be a good end result.

NanaNina · 11/10/2015 00:22

Oh so sorry your son is suffering so much and as mothers it hurts so much to see our kids suffer, especially when you can't make things better. I think much depends on who you get with CAMHS to be honest. In my experience they are somewhat limited in what they can offer. Are you able to pay for some private therapy for your son - a clinical psychologist with an expertise in OCD would be your best bet - you'd have to google to find someone and it's not cheap (usually around £50 an hour)

Have a look at the website YOUNG MINDS - your son might find it helpful too. I'm assuming he has been seen by a psychiatrist to be diagnosed with OCD - is there any follow up or any help from the CMHT - though I think they only deal with adults. It sounds like your son could be depressed too and definitely anxious, as OCD makes people anxious of course.

Nimble2014 · 11/10/2015 00:28

Please speak to camhs and ask them what is happening. Hopefully they'll reassure you about what they're doing.

PolterGoose · 12/10/2015 18:28

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

NanaNina · 13/10/2015 00:59

I've had a look on Young Minds website and there is a great deal of information about OCD. Apparently CBT is very effective for this problem.

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