Comments on: hello, how do doctors treat a 12yr olds extreme anxiety/panic attack/disorder? the kid has Ocd/anxiety extreme?

By: chafarm123

chafarm123 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:21:52 +0000

Lance,
First of all, it’s good that you are taking this as seriously as you are.
This child has endured extreme instability in his life, and as a result doesn’t feel he lives in a safe zone. Some of this is no doubt related to his father, but some of it may be related to his father’s departure or other factors in his early life. Yes, he is in trouble through NO FAULT OF HIS OWN and he needs help now. This should be framed for him that none of this is his fault, but that he needs help in order to feel better because he cannot learn, grow, and meet the coming developmental milestones which are coming, without a management plan to his anxiety disorder constellation. He needs to know that this is not a punishment, but a clear plan to HELP HIM FEEL BETTER.
His anxiety is worsening as there are changes at home, and the demands of school are heightening for him. This can only worsen without proper intervention. I would urge you and his mother to get him that psych evaluation yourselves for him, because although the school may pay for a licensed clinical social worker or psychologist evaluation, his mother, THE PARENT, needs to be in control of the evaluation and the data which is obtained. This is important because sometimes an undiagnosed medical problem creates an interplay with psychologic issues, and unless this is fully considered by a psychiatrist, one half of the issue, the medical half, doesn’t receive full consideration.
(Sometimes hyperthyroidism or even heart rhythm disturbances emerge at 12. They may make a behavioral issue more pronounced, but the original issue was a medical one) BTW, 12 is when many medical issues emerge for kids and it’s a last chance time to fix some things before the teen years.
Following an evaluation and a primary diagnosis, this information can be shared with the school and they need to create an IEP (an individual education plan) whereby he still gets a focused education, but is not subject to the pressure cooker environment that other kids without anxiety disorders may experience.
This dear boy likely needs some short term meds, prescribed by a psychiatrist, and some counselling which a psychiatrist will likely refer him to. They need to teach him how to manage his episodes of stress while the medication calms him enough initially to be open to this. He also needs as much stability at home as is possible.
If he receives the help he needs, you should have a happy individual who lives a good life and won’t forget the sacrifices you and his mother made to help him. If he does not get the help he needs, he is a high risk in his teens for suicide.
If for some reason, his mother has inadequate health insurance for him, then she needs to see social services to either get a referral to your county’s childhood intervention psychiatrist, or medicaid to help manage these issues. These are not easy tasks I have outlined for you, but I promise, the reward is well worth the effort. Very best wishes to you all.

By: Ashlee

Ashlee — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:21:52 +0000

Both my sister and I suffer from anxiety/panic attacks. Usually, if that severe a medication is prescribed, but a pediatrician will not do that. He will have to see a therapist who will diagnose him and help him to overcome that whether it be with medication or teaching him techniques (breathing exercizes, etc.) to help control it. My sister(15) is on medication for panic attacks, anxiety, and add. I am taking the other route but we are both doing just fine. And, your girlfriends son will too after the proper care.

By: spunkimonki

spunkimonki — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:21:52 +0000

This is a really sad situation that he is in!! Honestly I wouldnt bother reading answers to this question because really he needs professional help that myself or nobody else could answer to help your situation. He needs a referral to a psychiatrist / psychologist. They will put him on the recommended therapy he needs to live a better life for himself and for you and your partner. That would be my best advice on this issue. Best of Luck!!

By: LaLa

*LaLa* — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:21:52 +0000

well maybe you should take him to a counselor of some sort but let them be aware that you dont want to put him on any xanex or any other meds of the sort or even look online to see what kind of vitamins could help the situation…..or go the counselor and ask them about what kind of vitamins you could put him on to even help a lil bit..there’s always some sort of organic alternative Good luck!

By: Halo

Halo — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:21:52 +0000

His behaviour is extreme & sounds like more than panic attacks.He has a lot of issues all fear based.They will observe his behaviour over a period of time,ask him questions & try to get him to open up.He will be treated with change of diet,cognitive therapy & more than likely with medication,which will be trialled & based on the outcome,more than likely short term.Don’t worry about the medication.Right now his behaviour needs to be quietened down in order to get to the root of the problem & help him get some focus.

Comments on: hello, how do doctors treat a 12yr olds extreme anxiety/panic attack/disorder? the kid has Ocd/anxiety extreme?

By: chafarm123

By: Ashlee

By: spunkimonki

By: *LaLa*

By: Halo

By: LaLa