Hi! My son is 12 years old (will be 13 in Feb 2008). We had a recent move across the state and he has developed mild ocd (obsessive compulsive disorder) symptoms such as frequent hand washing. I feel that this is in response to the move and also have read that the ages between 10 - 12 are when a lot of children develop this. Before putting him on prescription medicine I want to try a natural approach (I try to do this whenever possible). I have read that taking 5-htp can help with this condition. Has anyone tried this before with their children and, if so, at what dosage and with what results?

Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

Irish

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Originally Posted by irishh7

Hi! My son is 12 years old (will be 13 in Feb 2008). We had a recent move across the state and he has developed mild ocd (obsessive compulsive disorder) symptoms such as frequent hand washing. I feel that this is in response to the move and also have read that the ages between 10 - 12 are when a lot of children develop this. Before putting him on prescription medicine I want to try a natural approach (I try to do this whenever possible). I have read that taking 5-htp can help with this condition. Has anyone tried this before with their children and, if so, at what dosage and with what results?

Any help or information would be greatly appreciated.

Irish

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Perhaps some counseling first? Some true listening-without talk, without answering, without judging, without defending yourself, just pure listening. Allowing your son to feel safe to say what he wants and feels without repercussion. I know that sounds like I am saying it is your fault, but I don't mean to suggest that at all. Sometimes we overlook the simplest things first. Sometimes we don't know what our children need and just letting them talk without the pressure of the parent relieves so much pent up emotion.


I have tried a family talk technique called "Silent conversation" Where topics or pictures are placed on large pieces of cardboard, each family member is given a colored marker. They wander the room without talking/commenting, (music can be put on in the background if the quiet is uncomfortable) adding quotes or answers or ideas to the topic/picture. You don't have to talk about it afterwards because the words help express how people feel without the pressure of speech. It is to get an idea of what everyone else is thinking and to understand each other better.

Have you considered as a whole the things going on in his life.
Why don't you draw a chart, with your son in the middle and arrows pointing away from him, fill in the things you think/assume/guess are affecting him and then maybe get your partner (or other family members) to add their ideas. Perhaps your son might like to do one of his own (which he can choose to share or not)

Some suggestions for triggers for his behavior might be:
Anxiety and fear caused by new surroundings, uncertainty, new people etc
Approaching puberty/adolescence and the emotional turmoil approaching/present
A way to control something small in his life, when he cannot control larger things in his life
Abuse (current, former, repressed memories, unknown, including sexual, physical, emotional, psychological by people either known or unknown to you including clergy, teachers, adult friends, family members) I know this sounds drastic I'm just putting it out there.
Suffering bullying, threatening and controlling behavior from someone
Pressure to perform, excel, improve, win, inability to live up to expectations

Good luck, I do hope you find a solution and bring peace and harmony to your son and your home.