Medication for teen School Refusal anxiety?

[Happydays353535]

Hi, my DD16 has anxiety and hasn't been back to school since before Christmas. She is trying hard to go, but bursts into tears at breakfast. She really wants to be back in school but no matter what way I tackle it, it's too overwhelming. We had another attempt this morning.
She has final exams this year, her only friends are school friends so she's lost without the school. I'm thinking medication and get her to see a counsellor as well...

So sport that she's suffering like this. Has she told the GP and Pastoral Care how she's feeling?

There is a Facebook group called something like Not Fine In School. They are an incredibly knowledgeable bunch of parents who might be able to help.

Thanks for that recommendation. My GP said they don't medicate that age group anyway, unless strictly necessary and only after a psych assessment. She's not at that stage yet. I guess I was hoping for a quick fix, as you do!
GP said not to get school to send work home but to get DD to stay connected with friends. I've a few resources to try.

Our GP prescribed beta blockers for my DD. She us 15 and in year 11 and got herself in a real state over her mock exams. Before Christmas she was literally waking up feeling sick and was often sick. These stop the shaking and the adrenalin so she doesn't feel as sick which means she feels more able to face her day at school.

I was so impressed with my GP he was so understanding - he phones me every week for an update on how she is doing. He also wrote a letter to the school saying she must be allowed to exit lessons if she feels sick - she has only had to exit once since having the letter. It transpires he has 3 daughters who all suffer with anxiety hence his understanding.

There is quite a lot of focus at the moment on ESBR - emotionally based school refusal - and quite a few education authorities have guidance on it (google and you will probably find West Sussex, Somerset and Derbyshires guidance). Anxiety is covered under the Equality Act 2010, and as such school have a duty to treat it as a SEN and make "reasonable adjustments" to facilitate the child's return to school. Ask your GP for a CAMHS referral but in the meantime (because there WILL be a wait) perhaps ask your GP for a brief letter to school explaining that she is suffering from anxiety about attending, and that should encourage the SENCO to take notice. Best of luck...I know how hard it is.