Testing for OCD and help for TICS?

[DawnM]

My middle son is neuro-typical when it comes to academics, he isn't on the spectrum, etc....

 

But he has had tics for the past 4 years.  I have read that many kids go through phases with tics but they usually go away within 6-12 months.   His have not.

 

He can also be OCD about things.  Touching the knob a few times before opening a door, that sort of thing.

 

Should I get him tested and what exactly could they do for him if I were to take him in?

 

Thanks,

 

Dawn

[SkateLeft]

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[DawnM]

That is part of why I am asking. He isn't depressed that we can see, but it does bother him. He is homeschooled, but we do a lot outside the home so he is with others a lot.

 

He does seem to have some anxiety though. That is when we see it most, when he is nervous or anxious.

[sbgrace]

The OCD foundation online has lists of providers who specialize in OCD. They will have training not just in dx., but also in effective treatment (Exposure Response Prevention Cognitive Behavior Therapy). I would see if there is someone within a drive. Seeing a therapist who specializes in OCD is important, as it is treated differet than other anxiety disorders. If you can find someone who also specializes in Habit Reversal (I think that's it) for Tics, even better.

 

I would seek help for him.

[DawnM]

So, do I seek out the OCD and that will help with the TICS or should I find someone who specializes in both?

 

Honestly, his TICS bother him more than his OCD.

[sbgrace]

The best therapy for Tics seems to be Habit Reversal Training. In my experience, it is harder to find a therapist who specializes in that area. But the ocd foundation treatment providers database allows you to search for habit reversal specialists. I hope someone relatively near--I would drive for this--specializes in that area. http://www.ocfoundation.org/treatment_providers.aspx

I think most of the time you will find that the therapist who works with HRT (habit reversal training) for tics also works with OCD using ERP (exposure response prevention). I would prioritize the HRT training for your therapist. We don't have anyone near us, but a friend of mine had multiple choices in her location. I hope you have some good therapist choices.

 

I want to re-iterate that finding someone who specializes in these areas specifically is important. It can, imo, be worse than nothing to go to someone who isn't trained in these conditions specifically, no matter how great they are with other things.

 

This article is not particularly useful, but it is about Tics with OCD, and this paragraph talks about over-lap in treatment and medication.http://www.ocfoundation.org/eo_ts.aspx
Taking out quote given any copyright concerns

[DawnM]

Thanks.  Ok, looks like all therapists for this are over 3 hours away and only work with adults.

 

 

[sbgrace]

Thanks.  Ok, looks like all therapists for this are over 3 hours away and only work with adults.

 

We're in a similar situation. Are all the therapists for habit reversal over 3 hours, or all the OCD therapists?

 

If you have an OCD ERP therapist near, I would consult with them.

 

 

You could try to teach yourself, if you don't have anyone near.

[DawnM]

He is telling me now that he feels he is outgrowing it and to wait.

 

 

[sbgrace]

I hope he does outgrow Dawn!

[Guest theinbetween]

My son's tics almost disappeared with a low dose of anit-seizure meds.  No one could really tell me the difference between a seizure and a tic, but anyway... We are weaning off of the seizure meds now, and the tics are not returning.  Oh, and tics, OCD and anxiety can also be caused by a condition called P.A.N.D.A.S. which is easily treated by antibiotics, even if its been present for a long time. You just would need to get his Strep titers tested and get with a pediatrician or neuro who's on board with it as it is still being tested by NIH.  Best of luck to you.