Has anyone put a 12 yr old on meds for anxiety?

Question

My 12 yr old daughter has struggled with anxiety for years now, but lately it seems to consume her - she has been in & out of therapy for years - they were trying to teach her behavior modification such as breathing exercizes & meditation to deal with her anxiety, but it just doesn't seem to help - i would love to see her get thru a day without worry - has anyone tried meds & had success & if so, which meds?

Answer 1

I was put on meds for the same reason when I was 14. Please, please, please, don't let it take over her life.

My anxiety issues were so severe I feel into a deep depression. Many people have the idea that only adults with "real" problems can feel this way, but it's not true.

If you've found that she is still full of fear and worries, or just plain nervous, even after all the treatment, I would try the meds. I am sure they won't be forever. Explain to her that there is NOTHING wrong with her, and she is not being "fixed".

I would encourage the therapy, but don't force it excessively. She is having a hard time, whether she expresses it or not, because of what she feels and fitting in with her peers.

Make sure she eats right, and as annoying as it may become, make sure to always answer her questions (I used to ask my mom the same thing over and over, "are you sure, are you sure", etc.)

I don't remember the name of the medication I was put on, and I'm sure they've developed better things by now, but if it worked on me then, Im sure whatever they give her now will be wonderful.

Todays world is too stressful for children, I would give it a shot.

If it doesn't seem to work, you can always stop. Make sure there are no serious side effects and really do research before giving her what they prescribe.

They may be the doctors, but youre the parent. Dont be afraid to tell them to shove it if they deserve it!!

Goodluck, and God Bless. It warms my heart to see a parent really trying to help their child with these issues.

Answer 2

Hi

My cousin has been on anti-anxiety meds since she was 8. They did not benefit her until she was about 15 because the shrinks could not find the correct med for her. I am not sure what she was on at 15 but they have changed so many times since then.

At 12 it is so very difficult for you as the parent and her as the child as she does not know or understand what is going on. Did something traumatic happen to her when she was very young that she cannot 'remember' or 'will not share'? Anxiety usually does 'go away' when the trauma is dealt with. Have you tried more then 1 shrink? Someone who specializes in Pediatric psychiatry? I would hold off on the meds as long as you possibly can. If that anxiety begins to centralize around depression then it is a much different story. Anxiety is very often misdiagnosed too. My cousin ended up having a very rare disease where the anxiety manifested as a symptom to which there was not a cure. Really do some research. Go back and see if there is a history as far back as your great grandparents. My money, without knowing the situation, is that a different specialist would really benefit you. A clean slate where she can be re-diagnosed. See if it is the same. Let the new guy / gal know that she has been seen but that you want her to be seen 1st without the other records to see if the diagnosis is different.

Much good luck to you and take care.

Answer 3

my daughter is now 25 she has struggle with this problem since she was very small. I hate to med and she doesn't like it either. so I took her took a whole life counsler who only treat with diet and herbs she is much better. still has problems but nothing like before she has gone through weeks with the problem not showing up. They try both St. John worth and Calm Forte on her they worked great. When she knows she is going to be in a more stressful place like finals at college she adjust the doses to help her get through it. She see the Whole life counsler not so much now as before. Over time she learned what she needed to do. Have to be careful that you get a good one. Some don't really know what they are doing they need to have gone to school for it. most health ins don't cover the cost but I still found it worth the while to pay out of pocket after all it our children and want the best care for them. Our also combines it with scriptures for her but that her choice dosesn't have to be. hope this help you. Not sure where you live.

Answer 4

It seems kids go through crap earlier and earlier in life as time passes.. I'm sorry your daughter is having a hard time adjusting to life and is struggling with anxiety. It's a very evil demon to possess. I was about that age when I got my first real dose of anxiety. I would talk to a doctor about a low dosage of paxil, possibly Xanax.. but shoot for paxil. I found this website, it could be useful for you to determine a good possible med for your daughter since you know her better and different pills are used for different reasons (social anxiety, general anxiety) some have different side effects like becoming habitual and all that fun junk so here it is, check it out and talk to your doctor about it and see what they have to say. http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/Anxiety/treatment/medications_chart.asp

Answer 5

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 6

Yes, you should put her on medication, it will help, definatley. I was put on medication at age 6 for OCD, Anxiety and Depression. My mother noticed my symptoms right away and put me on medication. My honest opinion, if she has been dealing with it for years, she should have been put on medication for it then. For her well being, though, do something about it. I was on Zoloft for the most part, it really helped me, I took Zoloft up until I was 18. I am 23 now and searching for new mediactions to take.

Answer 7

Yes, you should put her on meds. The problem will only get worse if left untreated. If therapy is not working, perhaps she needs a new therapist, one she connects with. But if you suspect a problem, you should fix it, and the right meds will really help her.

Answer 8

At our mental health clinic, we usually use Zoloft, because it is about the cleanest drug. We usually will not put any kids 5 or under on any medication. If I were to put my kid on a drug, I would have to say Zoloft.

Answer 9

my mom she put me on anx meds when i was 9 zoloft its for depression bnut it works for anx