OCD aspect of Tourett's

[Guest Jennifer]

Just curious to ask other parents out there with chldren who have a tic disorder with OCD if they noticed that their children's choice for play became obsessive also, such as being a dinosaur all day everyday for a year or spiderman everyday for months. Have any parents noticed the the OCD may go in cycles? Something that may have been an issue for several months goes away, but comes back months later?

 

I would appreciate any feedback.

 

Thanks,

 

Jennifer

[Guest Fran]

I have definitely noticed that! My child is 10. He goes through phases of being interested in hobbies like collecting, then baseball, then even things like tending to the yard. (Believe it or not.) This might sound normal but each one is with great passion beyond the typical kid. And when he can't do them, he gets agitated, even cries. I understand this also happens for children with asperger syndrome. But it seems there's a big overlap with all these conditions so it probably doesnt matter what it is called.

 

I know someone who did all the things I see on this site, the diets, supplements, seeing a special allergy doctor, and all her kid's OCD went away. I just have to get my you-know-what in gear and try to make some changes myself. He's a good kid, but it worries me when I see this kind of play. Also he has lost friends because when he is playing with them, they have to do everything just the way he wants it or he gets upset. He's not trying to be a boss, I'm sure its the OCD. He really can't handle it if it's not the way he NEEDS it to be. The older he gets the more it hurts his social life.

 

Fran

 

[Chemar]

Jennifer

I have noticed a similar pattern in many aspects of my son's life...he is nearly 14yo. This even shows re: food..........he will crave a particular food and cant get enough of it....and then suddenly hate it and go for a new one......and then, some time later....it is back to the other one

 

Same happens if there is something he wants...eg a new videogame, or when he was younger , a toy.....it becomes a total obsession where the "must have" till he gets it....

 

I must say tho that since we started the 5HTP/Inositol treatment this is much subdued.

 

Fran........I really want to encourage you to start a supplement program...it has really turned my son's life around physically, emotionally, socially etc...it really doesnt have to be a laborious routine...just a few of the important supps can make a HUGE difference.

[Guest Jennifer]

Chemar,

 

Thanks for responding. Our son is on his 3rd day of 5htp. He has been taking Inositol for some time now. How soon did you notice a difference in the OCD behavior? Also do you notice a worsening in your child when they are sick? We certainly have.

 

 

Thanks,

 

Jennifer

[Guest Fran]

Jennifer and Chemar, How much Inositol are you using? (I know, everyone is different. . . ) but it would be good to have an idea.

 

I've read 5HTP is not one of those things you can assume "more is better"--have to be careful with dosing on that on?. Am interested to see what you say on that also. Thanks for the support. Fran

[Chemar]

Jennifer.......yes, sickness always seems to make the OCD & the tics worse.

 

Fran...we are using 500mg Inositol per day (TwinLab brand) and the minimum dose of 5HTP per day at 50mg (Natrol)

He is 14 and weighs $130lb

If the OCD is waxing, I give an extra 50 mg per day for 3 days.

We noticed a dramatic improvement within a week or so of starting.

 

I give them in the evening as the 5HTP relaxes him so, I dont want that at school.

 

REMEMBER tho.......NEVER mix 5HTP with any anti-depressant med that also elevates seratonin without a doctors consent........seratonin spiking is not a good thing!