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.)

[geoff]

Hello Flummoxed, sometimes people with autism may also have OCD in some respects, although I'm not a doctor, but some obsessions and compulsions may overlap, such as continually washing her hands, however, if parents don't have OCD then it's so frustrating to try and understand why a person has to carry out these continual reactions because neither parent has it, then why should one of their children develop it, so you feel confused, exhausted and have no answers or any solutions on how she can stop it, especially when you have family/friends around, then how can you explain this to them, it isn't easy, but it's nobody's fault.

Some people can overcome this illness while others either need help to control it, lower its impact or learn how to hide it from other people seeing, but everyone is different.

I've been taking medication for OCD and depression for a long time and certainly, my doctor would not discontinue it, nor would I ever want to, but what it does is make me feel more stable, although I still have obsessions/compulsions but I hide everything I do so nobody else can see.

I realise this may not be the case for your daughter but a psychologist who deals with OCD will be able to help her and hopefully ease your concerns.

Please ask any questions you want an answer to.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Boudica]

Hello,

Welcome to the forum, I hope you find what you are looking for here.

I have a son with autism spectrum disorder (verbal, no intellectual disability), who also has OCD behaviours. In the past these have manifested in an eating disorder (now under control) and obsessions with germs. He is not able to cope with his possessions getting normal signs of wear and tear, so he must pad every item to prevent it making contact with the table or other items etc.

However he is much better than two years ago. He is at a level now that it can be managed so that he can function in every day life, though it is still there. His treatment includes medication, and I believe that is critical, as it reduces his anxiety to a level that makes him more receptive to the other intervention, which is working with a clinical psychologist. The clinical psychologist he works with was chosen as he specialises with children on the spectrum (and has a son of his own with autism), but luckily turned out to have experience with eating disorders. Eating disorders are common with people with ASD or OCD.

I used to be anti-medication, but I really changed my view. It does not have to be the long-term solution but can be used to help the person get to a place where they can engage better with therapy that can teach self regulating strategies for the long-term. I am not sure that my son will ever be able to self-regulate his OCD behaviours as he is not yet able to self-regulate any emotional stuff (he is 12 but functional age <6), but time will tell.

Best of luck with your journey.

[sagethefairy]

Hey Flummoxed! I'm a teen with OCD whos on the spectrum too and have had similar issues as her! To be quite honest, the things I found most helpful were more towards the natural therapy side of things, rather than the medical. I found art therapy - Particularly working with clay and more tactile mediums super helpful - even tough I usually hated getting my hands dirty. I still used antidepressants to help be through, so at the end of the day i think these would be beneficial to try for a short time to help your daughter mange her compulsions and stuff for the time being as I know they can be quite overwhelming. Best of luck!!

[Gambit87]

Hi Flummoxed,

I have OCD, I have to check things are off, locked, closed and I get terrible intrusive thoughts and negative rumination.

I don't take medication personally, im VERY apprehensive about it.

Ive seen a psychologist once a month for about a year and a half and its been extremely helpful for me. Ive learnt that depression and anxiety fuels my OCD and by talking it all out with my psychologist has helped me break the worst through of it. I have discovered the less anxious I am, the less control OCD has over me. There are even days the ocd and intrusive thoughts are nothing but white noise in the back of my mind.

Breaking the OCD hold is tough work, a psychologist can talk you though whats happening and thought processes and stuff like that - but its up to you to put it into action.

Another thing that has helped me - is talking about it. Especially to my girlfriend. It eases the stress of a compulsion i think. I'll check something 10 times over and my girlfriend will watch and giggle a bit - then I will laugh and theres an instant relief and the anxiety goes away.

I hope this helps,

were here for you!

[missep123]

Hi Flummoxed!

I hear you!

It's great to hear that your child is developing rapport with their psychologist but I completely understand your concerns too. It might be worth asking the psychologist if they have a plan?

Otherwise some of the others have mentioned that OCD is a specialised field and perhaps if it doesn't work out with this one that there is the possibility to see a clinical psychologist who specialises specifically in this field.

We are definitely here for you! I hope that you feel supported as well!