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Question

What treatments are available for obsessive compulsive behavior in teens?

Submitted: 315 days and 11 hours ago.

Category: Mental Health

Value: $15

Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION

Age: 15; Female, Michigan

Already Tried:
counseling nothing seems to be working

Posted by Carol Kryder LMFT 315 days and 5 hours ago.

Info Request

Hello and thanks for using JustAnswer.com:

The treatment of choice for obsessive compulsive behavior in teens is cognitive behavioral therapy. You said you have tried counseling and it has not worked. Do you know what type of counseling it was? You need to find a counselor who will work with the specific obsessions and compulsions you are experiencing and find a way to change that specific behavior. Some doctors will prescribe an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) such as Prozac or Zoloft for OCD behavior, but there have been some risks for teens. Do you ever get suicidal? If so, your doctor would need to know about that. If you can provide me with some additional information I would be delighted to assist you in any way I can.

315 days and 2 hours ago.

Reply

ITS ACTUALLY MY GRANDDAUGHTER THAT i'M CONCERNED ABUT.

Answer

Thanks for the clarification. Is your granddaughter willing to go to see a therapist who practices cognitive-behavioral therapy? I believe that would be the most helpful intervention for her. Are her parents in favor of this intervention? They need to be on board and willing to assist with and participate in the therapy if necessary.

If your granddaughter does not become suicidal the doctor may be willing to try some Prozac or Zoloft to help with the OCD behavior, but I would recommend that she try therapy first.

The most important thing is that her parents and your granddaughter are willing to accept the therapy and if necessary, the medications.

I hope this has been helpful. Please let me know if you need more clarification or have any further questions.

Expert:	Carol Kryder LMFT
Pos. Feedback:	97.5 %
Accepts:	298
Answered:	12/29/2008

Mental Health Professi&onal

18 years of licensed experience with individuals, families, couples, and children

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