topic 11 year old with acute anxiety in Anxiety

11 year old with acute anxiety

mike9 — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 15:05:54 GMT

Hi, my 11 year old daughter has developed acute anxiety.

It has escalated last 10 days. She has not been to school for a week. Refuse to even see family and friends.

Been to a psychologist without much success. Was expected the psych to introduce her to CBT but just talking instead. No real help.

The main issue is that she is scared of telling people bad things. You are fat etc. Not bad thoughts but too her, they give her anxiety.

Thinking about medication but would like to hear other peoples experience when it comes to young kids.

11 year old with acute anxiety

Summer Rose — Tue, 11 Jun 2019 22:17:54 GMT

Hi Mike

Welcome to the bb forum and thank you for sharing your story. I have walked in your shoes. My daughter was 13 when she experienced the kind of anxiety that you describe and was eventually diagnosed with OCD as well.

The first mental health practitioner we sought help from was not helpful. He was offering psychotherapy as well.

What I learned is that they are all different and operate differently. I got the names of three suitable psychologists from the staff at the bb support line and then interviewed them to find out how they would treat my daughter and get a feel for how I thought I could work with them before I exposed her to one of them. Thankfully we got the right match and CBT treatment commenced.

Medication was also recommended. After a lot of research, I saw this as a way to compliment the CBT and give her the best chance of getting well.

The first medication did not help (it exacerbated her symptoms) but the second one did. We got a referral to a pediatrician to manage her medication and oversee her health in general.

My daughter now had the right and best team caring for her and the best treatments to help her in the battle.

Recovery is possible; I watched my daughter achieve it. Just hang in there and keep ploughing on.

I'm not saying what we did is right for you but it worked for us.

I know this is a tough time for you, too. Please take good care of yourself and find some support for yourself. Family, friends, your GP and of course post here any time.

Kind thoughts to you and your daughter

11 year old with acute anxiety

mike9 — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 00:17:15 GMT

Thank you for your reply. It is a tough time at the moment.

May I ask you, what type of medication did they give your daughter?

11 year old with acute anxiety

Summer Rose — Wed, 12 Jun 2019 13:04:41 GMT

Hi Mike

Unfortunately we are not permitted to discuss specific medications on the forum. If you're interested in why, you can read the information under the "Discussing Medication" tab.

What I can say is that from our experience, it's important to do your homework before you start. Make sure you know what possible side effects to watch out for and keep a close eye on your daughter.

Make sure the doctor who prescribed them is available to you just in case you need a follow up appointment at short notice. Have a plan B in case of a crisis.

Allow about six weeks for them to take effect.

Kind thoughts to you