Thread: OCD Advice Needed

My 13 year old daughter has developed a compulsion to wash her hands. She also tries not to touch anything or anyone. I was wondering if any of you have had a similar experience and have any ideas that might help?

I have made an appointment with her GP as a start. Thank you.

I have ocd so know how compulsions can really mess your everyday moment, I am on sertaline and is really good for OCD along with cbt from my cpn. I am also got an appointment to see a psychologist who specialises in ocd. You have done the best thing and get some professional help. I feel for your daughter, it can be living hell but with time and support you can manage it - I don't think you ever get rid of it but you can learn to manage it x

I have had a good look online today and it has left me feeling a bit worried. Help for children is limited with long waiting lists. I know she has had this for a while, but now she says she would like some help, I am very anxious to get it before she changes her mind. Has the CBT been of help to you? Do you find that a mixture of CBT and medicine is best for you?

Originally Posted by mrstaylor

I have had a good look online today and it has left me feeling a bit worried. Help for children is limited with long waiting lists. I know she has had this for a while, but now she says she would like some help, I am very anxious to get it before she changes her mind. Has the CBT been of help to you? Do you find that a mixture of CBT and medicine is best for you?

Yep meds help slow down the thoughts and slower down compulsions. CBT is ok for me (I am autisitic as well so a bit more difficult for me perosnally) but it helps challenge the thoughts and behaviours. It is about retraining the brain and together they have helped. I know a lot of people have had success with CBT, meds and both combined. There probably be a mental health team for children where you live or not far but if she has not got the diagnosis that might take time. I would speak to your gp as they will know more and don't look on the net there is so much info out there it can be scary!!!

It is definitely best to hold out and see what your GP has to offer, especially with a child. There are so many approaches - medications, CBT, all sorts of talking and practical therapies.

Don't rely on the net too much there are a lot of quacks out there trying to sell strange herbal remedies or untested treatments, and these can range from unhelpful though to harmful.

Yes I am definitely waiting to see the GP.

I've had severe OCD since I was a little girl including a contamination obsession like your daughter's. Please feel free to PM me.

OCD-UK is quite a useful website and has a forum offering support for sufferers and family members.

xx