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Medication?

Possum

Our young person (somewhere on the autistic spectrum) is now on a degree course at university. Friendless, but not for want of trying. High functioning and articulate but suffering terribly and for years now from 'peaks' in anxiety which manifest as tearful alternately angry and sad 'meltdowns' which revolve around whether "being good" or "being annoying" and whether 'failing' at such things will cause a withdrawal of the (guaranteed) support and love of the family.  The conversation about it can repeat for hours and hours until we're all exhausted with endless reassurance.  Recently said they'd like some mild medication to help with these episodes. (Already tried mindfulness, CBT, counselling).

Anyone have any experience of meds for this high anxiety in someone under 21? Circumstances? Type? Effectiveness? I think GPs reluctant to prescribe because of suicide risk in the age group but young one finding the intensity so hard to handle and knows it.

Thanks in anticipation.

Parents
  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Possum said:

    It happens when back at home with mother and siblings - perceived 'ignorings', people not being (showing visually) enthusiastic enough about their interests and thoughts.

    That clarifies things a lot. I seem to have grabbed hold of one end of the stick and run with it - I seem to do a lot of that (go figure)

    It is a recurring theme that a school student's behaviour is remarkably different between home and school. The well regimented environment of school or college seems to suit some people and the perhaps more chaotic home environment is harder to handle. So, how many siblings are there and are any other family members on the spectrum too? Some of the worst situations in my life have happened when two (generally undiagnosed) autistic people are thrown into a situation where they have to interact. People with autism are prone to over agonise about small criticisms and we do need to be coached on letting stuff go. Equally an undiagnosed autistic person is likely to be over critical and to avoid eye contact - these behaviours will antagonise another autistic person.

    Jon's experience of not being helped by CBT is also not uncommon. Some people have benefited massively from this whilst others haven't. I think there may be an issue that if the CBT is imposed on someone rather than sought out and welcomed then the CBT may not work. We (autistics) resist authority and any attempt to tell us to go along and do X may well fail. On the other hand, if we do the research and believe (as I do) that it is the best way of teasing someone out of the mental state that they have fallen into then one can be much more receptive. A problem is that this decision, to accept or refuse the offered or imposed treatment, may come at a time of great stress when one is not in a receptive mood. 

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  • Former Member
    Former Member

    Possum said:

    It happens when back at home with mother and siblings - perceived 'ignorings', people not being (showing visually) enthusiastic enough about their interests and thoughts.

    That clarifies things a lot. I seem to have grabbed hold of one end of the stick and run with it - I seem to do a lot of that (go figure)

    It is a recurring theme that a school student's behaviour is remarkably different between home and school. The well regimented environment of school or college seems to suit some people and the perhaps more chaotic home environment is harder to handle. So, how many siblings are there and are any other family members on the spectrum too? Some of the worst situations in my life have happened when two (generally undiagnosed) autistic people are thrown into a situation where they have to interact. People with autism are prone to over agonise about small criticisms and we do need to be coached on letting stuff go. Equally an undiagnosed autistic person is likely to be over critical and to avoid eye contact - these behaviours will antagonise another autistic person.

    Jon's experience of not being helped by CBT is also not uncommon. Some people have benefited massively from this whilst others haven't. I think there may be an issue that if the CBT is imposed on someone rather than sought out and welcomed then the CBT may not work. We (autistics) resist authority and any attempt to tell us to go along and do X may well fail. On the other hand, if we do the research and believe (as I do) that it is the best way of teasing someone out of the mental state that they have fallen into then one can be much more receptive. A problem is that this decision, to accept or refuse the offered or imposed treatment, may come at a time of great stress when one is not in a receptive mood. 

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