And the psych dx is...

[Mehita]

I've mentioned in other threads that DS's GI wanted him to see a therapist for anxiety. He gets very anxious at anything and everything medical, even if it's just a talking visit. Outside of a medical setting, he's fine.

We initially saw a therapist at the hospital because I really wanted someone who works with chronic kids. Unfortunately, the 45 minute drive to the hospital during rush hour drove MY anxiety up and then DS ended up being admitted for Crohn's issues and then it got lost in the shuffle. This was all last fall.

We started with a new therapist near our home last week and had a second appt yesterday. I still can't decide how I feel about her. I want to give her a chance, but so far she's done a lot of "fake talk". Know what I mean? Tries too hard to make conversation? Fake talk doesn't work with teenage boys. You either truly need to be interested in Minecraft or not. We could try someone else, but then we'll have to be on a waiting list and I really want to get this started this summer when weekly appts are easier to get to.

Anyway... she came up with a couple of diagnoses already after the two visits, one of which kind of breaks my heart - PTSD. The other is borderline algophobia, the fear of pain. Then, of course, is the medical anxiety piece, which goes back to the first two.

Has anyone else been here? Or even gotten official diagnoses? I'd love to hear success stories.

 

[Maya142]

We have heard PTSD for but it's never been officially diagnosed (hearing about it also broke my heart - our poor babies). In her case they just call it anxiety and she sees a therapist weekly. We're not at the point where we're considering medicating her for it, but her psychologist did make her see a psychiatrist one time (who said M did not need meds yet, but something we can revisit in the future).

I would say that give the therapist a chance. M was not a fan of hers at first and this is the third one she's seen. It really helps that hers is in the IBD clinic and understands chronic illnesses. Now she looks forward to the appointments. The "fake talk" may be just to get your son to open up, when he's comfortable with her it probably wan't be necessary anymore.

Sending hugs!

 

[If*]

Just a thought ~ it might be a good idea to ask about cognitive behavioral therapy. Reason being is the possibility to learn how to deal/handle situations now and in the future. They can teach coping skills. (for parents too

Hope all turns out well.

 

[Patricia56]

Under most circumstances a 14 year old boy should probably be seeing the therapist by himself for most of the session, just in case that info is helpful.

My son has had severe depression and anxiety to the point of needing medication. He is much better now thanks in part to therapy.

If your son doesn't feel any trust for this therapist after a couple of months then it's time to look elsewhere in our experience.

You might suggest to the therapist that she take your son on walks as part of his therapy time. One therapist that was very effective with our son actually did this. The most effective one played a little basketball with him as well as walks. Boys have a hard time sitting still for a long while and you can often have a more meaningful conversation with them if they are physically active at the same time.

 

[Mehita]

The first session was all paper work so I had to be there. The second appt we talked about the dx and treatment plan, so again, I had to be there for the first half. The rest of the appts from here on out will just be him and the therapist.

The primary focus is going to be cognitive behavioral therapy and working through the PTSD. Also relaxation techniques for blood draws and other procedures.

I love the idea of having them go for a walk or something. Heck, even play a simple board game or cards. He fidgets a lot so that would work great. Thanks for the idea!

 

[Maya142]

In the beginning, M and her psychologist did puzzles to help her talk. It was a great way to get her to talk!

Relaxation techniques have been especially helpful for M since she used to have a lot of trouble falling asleep. She learned a few -breathing techniques and guided imagery I think.

 

[zilla7777]

Although I'm on the older side (18,) I've had Crohn's since I was 12, and having seen a therapist now it makes me wonder why I haven't seen one earlier! It's helped me reduce my anxiety and also to handle some of the mental side effects of Pred as well.

I guess there's a lot of stigma associated with seeing a counselor because it seems to have that feel that something must be wrong with you to have to go to one. In my opinion, it can only be beneficial. Everyone stresses out sometimes!

 

[greypup]

We've been there with the PTSD, anxiety and depression. An outstanding psychologist (she actually specialized in PTSD), CBT and time got our daughter back on track better than ever before. She's maintained the stability and uses the tools she acquired. She is more mature from the process than many of her peers.

I also wanted to mention to you that it took us visiting with three different therapists until we found the right one. One got us just so far, a couple others were awful. I finally found the one who really helped us by asking other therapists for recommendations of the specific issues our daughter was having. Bottom line, don't be afraid to change therapists if things aren't changing after enough time in. Also, if you look around, you might want to consider a male?

Hang in there!!!