Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.

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topazmoon1968 07/30/2010

My son's personality seems to have totally changed over the last couple of weeks. It started with the bad thoughts and bad words in his head, and after a trip to the Neurologist, who we have been seeing for his TS, he prescribed Tenex.

He started it a few days ago, so I am not sure if the sudden change is from the meds or something else.

He has a very short temper and has started to be more aggressive in his behavior. He does not hit or anything, just seems like when he plays, the pretend play is more violent.

Most of the time he is my sweet boy, but when these changes happen, I don't know him at all.

I am dying inside because I want to help him so much. I am trying to find a therapist and also going to see another doctor about testing him for PANDAS which seems to fit all his symptoms.

I try to relax him as much as possible, but I seem to have to walk on eggshells these days as not to set him off.

Any thoughts or help would be greatly appreciated. I am at my wit's end with no support from my husband and a very small support system otherwise.

Thanks

deleted_user 07/30/2010

I can't claim to have any ideas about where the temper is coming from, but I'd suspect the meds. Have you checked the side effects for that medicine? My son also has TS but right now isn't taking anything for it as right now, he isn't under much stress, so it isn't very bad. I do understand that on some rare occasions, TS comes with a heightened anger response. I haven't come across it very often. One way I have taken stress off my son is by NOT forbidding bad language. As a result, he kind of has a potty mouth, but he doesn't bark out bad words at inappropriate times. They tend to say the "forbidden," so I try not to forbid it. Anyway, I hope that helped.

Summerwind81 07/30/2010

Well I don't have kids, never had to deal with TS, so all I can really offer is my sympathy, and hope that you both come through this well.

I do think it's awesome that you're looking into PANDAS...the research is so scant right now that it's hard to find a doctor who's even heard of it, let alone a doctor who thinks there might be a grain of truth to it (I've looked into it because of OCD).

All I can say on that is KEEP PUSHING. Have you read the book "Saving Sammy?" It was written by a mother whose son developed very extreme OCD at a young age after contracting strep through. If I'm remembering right, he also showed signs of TS. She went through hell trying to get a doctor to listen. It's an excellent book.

http://www.amazon.com/Saving-Sammy-Curing-Boy-Caught/dp/0307461831/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1280534802&sr=1-1

That's the link to it on Amazon.

Sorry this is so long, my heart just goes out to you after seeing what my mother went through with my own issues.

Big hugs and good luck.

topazmoon1968 07/30/2010

Thank you clutter and summerwind. I am hoping that things will get better once the meds get into his system. If not, I may try to get him off of them in September when we go back to the Neuro. I also hope that seeing the doctor for Pandas will bring some answers.

I have heard of that book through the forums and I will definitely check it out. I know Pandas is very new, and I am lucky to live in CT where one of the doctors that specializes in Pandas has a practice.

It is so hard - my son is the sweetest child ever, but he is acting like a child I don't know right now. Very moody, short tempered and almost spoiled at times. I realized tonight that if I don't react to it and redirect him, it seems to work. Both times I tried it tonight worked, so hopefully I am on to something :)

Thanks again

deleted_user 07/30/2010

Hi topaz I dont want to be booed 2nite but I dont believe meds are the answer specially for kids....... there still growing & their minds still "evolving" Ya know?? I feel it cud be a worse option (at times) instead of what he is going thru on his own w/o meds.........
I feel so bad what your going thru but if you give him the nurture he needs YOU of all can help see him thru & help him.
& it does seem that you are very well capable of that "nurture thang"............... I know ur hurting but your love & your discipline is what he needs..........
not trying to be personal but sometimes television & the like can HIGHLY impact kids teens even adults ...... sooooooo
Oh & walking on eggshells??? Babe YOU need to call the shots now or later may be too late.

topazmoon1968 07/31/2010

Thanks Tragikgirl - I completely understand. Believe me, I was the first one to say I would never medicate my child, but it just got to the point where it was bothering him so much, he needed some comfort in the form of medication. I don't know if it will work or if it is the right thing to do. I do know it was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make especially since my husband is clueless about anything to do with this. He has his own problems that I am also dealing with. But I will always be there for my son and I will always make sure I am his rock no matter what.

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