6 year old on anxiety medication??

[karynnix]

I wrote a few days ago about my 6 year old DD pulling out her eyelashes. In talking to a few more people and a doctor, we have come to the conclusion that she is suffering from anxiety. It runs in my family, so I'm not really surprised. The thing that concerns me is putting her on medication for this. What are your thoughts, experiences, and opinions on this? I don't want to make a hasty decision on something this important. Thanks!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I don't know what to tell you.

I was diagnosed with anxiety as an adult (but wasn't doing anything like what you daughter is doing) and behavior modification therapy worked for me.

You may wish to consult with a psychiatrist just to see if some therapy will assist with her problem if it concerns you to put her on meds right away. Then if meds are necessary, the psychiatrist can prescribe them.

I will say that my psychologist had and idea of what to diagnose me with, but still tested me for an appropriate diagnosis.

I would be hesitant with her pediatrician making that diagnosis and prescribing meds just on one visit.

I would get a second opinion just to be sure she is diagnosed properly and treated properly and not just put on meds b/c she can be put on meds.

 

[kami2199]

That is a scary decision you have to make, I have no advice, sorry. My ped has talked to me about doing the same with my daughter and I opted not to do it at this point. Her biggest thing is getting herself so worked up she gets sick. When at Disney, the thought of Splash Mountain makes her vomit. Good luck, I hope everything turns out ok. I'm sure you will make the right decision.

 

[Huggles]

Maybe trying relaxation techniques would be worthwhile before going down the medication route.
Look up EMDR ( Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) on Google. I tried this for severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and it was fantastic....not to say it would be the right thing in this case though, but something to consider. I also learned relaxation techniques too ( breathing and focussing) which have proved very useful in stressful situations.
I would try a few other things before resorting to medication as I always regard medication as the last resort.

Good luck.

 

[I Love Pluto]

We have a friend whose 17-year-old recently committed suicide. She shot herself. They say that suicide is the result of untreated depression. Do everything you can for her now while she is young.
I wish I could tell you what is right and what is not right, but I am not an expert. Go with your gut feeling. You're her Mom, and she's your daughter. God bless you both.

 

[luvdzny]

My DD started taking meds for OCD at that age, it was a tough decision for us to make. It finally got to the point where she her symptoms became so bad that we had no choice, we had to start the medication. She is 17 now and still taking the meds. I know we made the right decision, but sometimes I wonder what taking medication for all these years will do to her in the future. Good luck with your decision, I know how hard it is.

 

[Ilike2Lurk]

Tough call

I wish you the best in whatever you decide

 

[meeskamouska]

I agree with those promoting alternative avenues first....if you can control the anxiety through relaxation or therapy...go for it!!! If these don't work then give her the medications that will help her have a normally functioning life. My DD has a rare fever disorder and many "experts" disagree withthe treatments we have chosen to use but it helps her to function normally and gives us as parents peace of mind.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Caradana has alot of good advice on this. I think she getting ready to wed and/or honeymoon right now.

We have had discussions here about hair pulling, eyelash pulling, maybe do a search for it.
It was pretty enlightening.

 

[Cool-Beans]

Me, personally (and again, this is just ME), I wouldn't put a 6 year old on anti-anxiety meds.

 

[cheerful chickadee]

Did the doc mention any alternatives to medication? I think with a child this young I would research alternate avenues first like behavior modification and relaxation techniques. I honestly feel that most people (even adults) could benefit from learning relaxation techniques. If all else fails then I would begin medication and try to find one with low side effects...if meds like those even exist nowadays, the side effects of most drugs are worst than the affliction they're medicating!

 

[decaff38]

My 19 year old took anxiety medication (Inipramin)at 7 years old.We tried three different drugs before we found one that worked with her system.Don't quite if the first doesn't work . Not everyone likes broccoli, your body is the same way. She says it was the best thing I ever did for her. I fretted about the decision for a week, asked a million questions and then did it. She slept through the night in 2 days, began eating at least 1/2 her meals, got her first 100 % on a Spelling test, read her first book alone , and her fighting with everyone decreased drastically. She is an A student and a freshman in pre-nursing. She is considering going back on a medication due to the stress of college but also is doing yoga and working on her diet. I would seriously consider the medication to drop the anxiety and help her to deal with the anxiety first. It is tearing her apart and she has no way to deal with it because she has no life skills to fall back on. We as adults need to be her caretakers.

Update my daughter was on the medication for 3 years and then asked to not take it because some boys found out and teased her. I was okay with it but we did set a few ground rules that needed to be followed or we would need to reconsider medication. She told me that i did the right things for her and thanked me. We have a very open relationship now , especially in the area of any medications. I am happy and she is happy. Good Luck with your decision.

 

[Tauwillow]

My husband had good results with EMDR for anxiety, but he needed to be able to articulate what was going on with him, and that might be difficult for your DD.

Id look into biofeedback - so many kids are responsive to it, and they make units now that are relatively small and portable.

 

[I Heart Disneyland!]

I would absolutely speak at length with her pediatrician as well as a psychologist. It would be difficult to think of her being on a medication, but, it is in her genes. Depression/anxiety also run in my hubby's family and it is hellish to live that way. Maybe with counseling and coping tools, that are geared toward her age, it will help her. God bless you!!

 

[crazee4mickey]

I remember your first post and had replied to it and I am so glad to hear you took your little girl to see the doctor.
Any kind of medication at that young age would concern me, are there any alternatives to the medication?
Lots of to your little princess and to you as well

 

[KerriSue]

Although there are alternatives I do suggest a therapist for your DD. Maybe with therapy and medication she can work through her anxiety (or learn to control it) and then come off the medication.

I remember being very young when my depression started. It would be good some months and bad others. I only wish my parents would have noticed and helped instead of having to deal with those issues as an adult.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Either way, you and your daughter are not alone.

Kerri

 

[barkley]

do an internet search on 'trichotillomania' (compulsive hair pulling)-you can find out different treatments and therapies for this problem.

 

[Mermaid02]

My son started taking anti anxiety meds at age 6 and it was the best thing we ever did for him. His symptoms were much more severe than your dd's though. People keep saying see a psychologist, but I recommend a child psychiatrist as they are the experts in these medications.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

Really lots of good advice on this Trich thread. I put it on your other post, but not sure you saw it. Biofeedback or behavioral modification would be my first choice. From what I remember reading, meds may not work with Trich. Good luck!
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1024200&referrerid=&highlight=eyelashes

 

[cheyita]

I agree that medication - even for a child - can be a lifesaver and miracle worker. However, I think the child's quality of life needs to be affected before coming to that decision. If the anxiety is keeping them from functioning as a normal child (i.e. not wanting to leave the house, having frequent panic attacks, etc) - and medication is available to help them, then why not?

I do agree that it's worth trying therapy too, even in combination with medication.