Back from Psychiatrist with Destiny

[6_Time_Momma]

As I kind of expected, she was diagnosed with Social Phobia and Anxiety disorder. The doctor started her on Lexapro. Boy, I hope this helps her so she can start enjoying life!!

The psychiatrist also brought up some interesting things that I honestly never thought about affecting/increasing her anxiety. She said that at the age Destiny was when I lost Gabrielle, Destiny may have thought that she should have been able to stop the baby from dying and may have some guilt/anxiety issues related to that. And that I may be sending unconscious "sad" signals out (now, she said this is what the books say...not that I am necesarily) and that Destiny may unconsciously pick up on those and feel "pressure" to try and be the rescuer and savior, also increasing her anxiety.

I don't know if those are the case or not, but some things to think about and maybe broach with Destiny later.

She will see her again in six weeks and decide if therapy would be any benefit (she didn't think at this point since there was any one event that actually precipitated her anxiety------she has been this way since preschool).

Anyway, she said that she didn't think she would have to be on meds much longer than six months, BUT there was a chance since there is a family history of anxiety/mental disease.

 

[janette]

I hope it helps, it's hard when kids are hurting and we can't make it better.

 

[ZebraStripes]

Kristy, Just want to say I sympathize with you. My DD10 has inherited her anxiety issues and I hate to see her go through this. She is seeing a LCSW to try to find ways to relieve the anxiety. So far we haven't found anything that is "right" for her. As a parent I feel helpless watching her go through this. Good luck to you and your daughter.

 

[MoniqueU]

I hope what the dr gave her helps and brings your daughter some peace. And congrats to you for being such a strong mamma to seek out help for your little girl.

 

[disneymom3]

That is tough isn't it? But good for you to not hide your head in the sand and to acknowledge that DD needed help you couldn't give her just by being a good mom--which you clearly are. Sometimes they just need something else but it can be hard to face that.

May I ask you how old your DD is?

 

[DisneyPhD]

I don't know much about your story or DD's, but hugs.

to you for taking her to get help and being open to ideas that might help her.

Lexapro is a pretty good drug. Clean (low side effects.) Best of luck.

 

[lsyorke]

Please watch her behavior closely when starting an antidepressant. Her next psychiatrist visit should be no longer than 2 weeks from the start of treatment. I'm curious, did you get the FDA mandated Medication Guide with her prescription?

 

[magicmirror]

I hope the medicine helps and she feels better soon. It has to be hard for you, watching your daughter go through this. Good luck and Best wishes for you and your daughter.

 

[zurgswife]

As a parent of a bi-polar child who was diagnosised with depression first at 11 yrs old. I can not stress enough that she should not have a 6week lapse between appointments after starting meds. Also, through experience I have found out how important blood work is. One pshyc dr had my dd on paxil for 6 months without any blood work. Turns out my new pschyitrist who rediagnosised her bi-polar and put her on the proper meds...said the amount of paxil she was on wasn't even at the lowest of theraputic levels.

So, make sure you ask questions. It has been important to my dd healing that the second set of drs. saw her ever 2 weeks or so and did blood work to see what her med levels actually were during the beginning of her diagnosis to adjust her meds...

 

[disneymom3]

I am glad others brought up that 6 week break. I was concerned but never dealt with child's meds in this area before.

The other thing I am wondering is the idea of not having counseling. So when she comes off of the drug are they just expecting that she won't feel anxiety anymore? DD went to counselling for about 6 months to deal with anxiety disorder and what they did was teach her ways of dealing with the anxiety--relaxation techniques etc--and talked about what appropriate expectations were. (She is highly perfectionistic and that causes a lot of anxiety for her.)

 

[Snow Brite]

I just wanted to share a funny story. My daughter was diagnosed with ADD and anxiety when she was in 2nd grade. We went to see the Psychologist every other week for a while, and it had to be in the afternoon before school was out. Somehow she got confused and thought she was going to an Orthodontist. It was probably bad of me...but I never corrected her. She would just announce to her teacher and the other kids that she had an Orthodontist appointment again today and off she would go.

I agree on the meds with the 6 week break. It is always hard to find the right dose for a child, and it always seems that no sooner do you find one than 6 weeks later it isnt right any more. Read the meds pamphlet carefully and consult with the pharmacist. Be an educated consumer.

Hugs and kudos for helping your daughter. You did a great job and I hope she is feeling more positive really soon.

 

[lsyorke]

The other thing I am wondering is the idea of not having counseling. So when she comes off of the drug are they just expecting that she won't feel anxiety anymore?

I was wondering this too. Why not therapy first to deal with the anxiety? I wish I had done this with my son... it would have saved him alot of bad reactions to an antidepressant.

I'm not sure if the OP knows, but these drugs are not FDA approved or clinically tested for children.

The choice is ultimately yours, but please inform yourself on Lexapro.

 

[6_Time_Momma]

Well, good morning. I just want to say that I do appreciate the concerns expressed here, but I do feel confident with the choices that were made, both with the 6 weeks between appointments and with the choice of meds. The doctor is only a phone call away.

As to the choice of no therapy right now, the doc feels that she is emotionally immature for her age and the thought is that the meds will help her to be able to relax enough that she will learn the coping and social skills on her own as she matures over the next few months rather than trying to teach her "artificial" coping/social skills.

Oh, and to disneymom3, Destiny just turned 9 last week.

 

[disneymom3]

Kristy--sooooo, if I could read, that would probably be good, huh? Just noticed this a.m. that your kids are listed in your siggie! Duh.

My DD was 8 when we were dealing with the worst of her anxiety issues. It is so hard to see them struggle like that. I hope this helps your DD and I am glad you feel comfortable with the choices being made!

 

[Lil' Grumpy]

the awarness of your child's needs must be a great comfort to her.
what a brave and caring parent you're are! i was also very impressed
from the others rallying to your support. from the lil i know, it almost
liked she wanting to lift some of the burdens off your family terrible lost.
she seem very sensitive and a gifted child. just my observation, but
i think you both make a great team and will overcome the stressors.
good luck [IRISH WISHES], for a sucessful outcome! God bless your
lil ! may new & unexpected happiness fill your home.

 

[makinorlando]

to you and Destiny.

 

[DisneyPhD]

6_Time_Momma, as a MSW who worked as a therapist for 6 years with both children and adults I would like to share a few thoughts on therapy and social anxiety disorder in youths.

As much as I always support and encourage therapy, introducing it with a social anxiety case can be difficult. Remember just seeking help and seeing someone about it majorly can increase anxiety. Giving the medication some time to work before trying to start therapy can be a good plan. Forcing an already nervous child to sit in a room with a therapist to "fix them" isn't going to help anything. In time if you and psychiatrist think your DD could benefit from therapy, please find one that is a good fit for your DD.

One possibility is the school social worker. They often do therapy groups or one on one and that can fit into your schdule and not seem to strange.

With today's insurance and polices 6 weeks between visits isn't that strange. Especially if you are a competent parent who can and will contact the psychiatrist with any concerns. Since I have been out of the loop for 2 years now I can't remember for sure, but I don't think Lexapro is a med that levels are checked on.

Best if luck for you and your DD.