Effective OCD treatment

[Flummoxed]

Hi, I'm a parent of a teen who (we think - not sure what has been officially diagnosed) has high-functioning autism spectrum, anxiety and, now, OCD. Washing hands to the point of skin irritation. I won't list other signs out of respect for her privacy but they are clear.

We aren't coping well, which prompts this post, but the purpose of the post is to ask about a course of action. I don't think this is a problem that can be talked out of, either with carers or with a professional. Everything I read suggests CBT or drugs are the only proven interventions for OCD. I am not cool with drugs so I think she needs CBT.

She has had a couple of telesessions with a psychologist in response to the OCD (as well as other sessions years ago, all unhelpful) but so far it's all been talk therapy. Which feels like a waste of time to me (in fact I worry it makes matters worse). There are more sessions scheduled.

Should I ring the pysch and ask her to outline her intended approach? Or am I wrong in my thoughts above?

(Admin, wasn't sure whether to put this here or in the carer's forum - up to you.)

[Flummoxed]

PS I don't mean to be disrespecting talk therapy or to be medicalising things. This is why I avoided the D word when I spoke of autism spectrum. I think I'm on the spectrum myself and I also have manageable occupational PTS (no D). But I feel there is a point where it becomes harmful and unmanageable enough that a D is warranted, and at about the same point, talk therapy doesn't cut it.

[CheeseDingo]

What has your daughter said about her treatment?

If she has a lot of these diagnoses, I could only assume that It will take many sessions for her to become comfortable with a medical professional to open up and reflect on her own behavior, goals, world view, strengths, triggers and progress. These are also problems that will persist throughout life so I would work hard on making her comfortable to use mental health facilities so she can utilise them in her adult life if she needs assistance.

Let the trained professionals make a treatment plan for her and seek second or third opinions if you have genuine doubts.

[Flummoxed]

This is me seeking a second, third, fourth, I have lost count, opinion. Although, since the OCD, just a second opinion. I feel like everyone she has spoken to has just been an Agony Aunt, which is really helpful and (genuinely) beautiful for some things, but doesn't work for others.

[CheeseDingo]

I've never heard the term Agony Aunt before. Cambridge dictionary states it as "a person, usually a woman, who gives advice to people with personal problems, especially in a regular magazine or newspaper article"

What is it that these Agony Aunts aren't providing?

[missep123]

Hi Flummoxed,

I can see how much you care for your child which is wonderful to see as I can tell that you truly want the best for them.

With regards to asking the professional for the treatment outline, I don't think there is anything wrong from that personally (I studied 5 years of psychology).

May I ask, is this psychologist an expert in OCD?

From my experience and from others in the field, it can take many sessions with a client to build rapport for the relationship and effects of treatment to be as effective as possible. Has your child mentioned feeling comfortable and supported by this new psychologist? It is a possibility that they may be focusing on this first.

Please keep us updated!

[Flummoxed]

Thanks for engaging Missep123.

Re: "is this psychologist an expert in OCD?" I don't know. It's a random hookup based on GP referral and availability. As have been the ones in years gone by that achieved nothing.

But, yes, talking with her, she does seem to be establishing a good rapport with this psych. Especially compared to others.

Still my worry is, 12 weeks of her having an outside shoulder to cry on will achieve nothing, because this is not being a bit upset, this is being ... there aren't many words without judgemental baggage I try to avoid ... but this is being disturbed. It needs more attention and skill than "oh and how does that make you feel".

[Petal22]

Hi Flummoxed,

Sorry your daughter is going through this.....

I once had severe OCD....... I have now made a full recovery....

My recovery started from seeing my gp...... I was put on an antidepressant for my anxiety and I also did a mental health plan with my gp.......

I was referred to a clinical phycologist who gave me strategies for my anxiety.... I also saw a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with OCD.... this then led me to a Clinic that specialised in OCD..... I did group therapy at this clinic for 8 weeks..... this is we’re I learned to master my OCD......

never loose hope, we can learn to overcome this condition..

im here if you have any questions... 😊

[Petal22]

I think OCD is a specialised field.... you need a professional that specialises in OCD...my therapy was an “ intervention into the OCD” it targets the OCD and the behaviours that keep us locked in the OCD Cycle....

we can learn what our behaviours are and then work on disengaging in these behaviours... this then allows us to break free of the vicious OCD cycle......

[Flummoxed]

Thank you Petal22.

How did you find the medication? Was it short term or long term? I have a few qualms about it, but having first hand experience you are much better placed to judge, so I would love to hear your perspective.

It sounds like it was a struggle for you to find effective support. I'm glad to hear you got it in the end.