• Replies 3 replies
  • Subscribers 25 subscribers
  • Views 671 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

My son has stopped eating

crazydarkside

Hi,

My 12 yr old has Aspergers and depression and ocd.  He started on Sertraline a month ago, and things seemed to be improving slowly for him, he stopped feeling suicidal all of the time, and started thinking about projects and things that he would like to do in the future, which is something he couldn't even begin to contemplate a month ago, he even started to laugh  I am concerned though, because I have noticed that as his mood has lifted, he has been eating less and less.  He does have body image problems, and has had fits of not eating before, but this time he says he is hungry, but when he looks at the plate, he feels like he shouldn't eat it or he feels sick.

Is this the ocd rearing it's head again.  I am wondering whether he is feeling so out of control in the rest of his life, that he is controlling his food intake?

We are currently between counsellors at CAMHS as one lady left and he hasn't been allocated to someone else yet.  I feel like I am tearing my hair out.

Does any one have any ideas, advice, etc

  • Hi crazydarkside,

     

    It's very difficult for us to offer advice when there's medication involved, but we have a behavioural specialist on 0808 800 4104 (option 3) who may be able to offer some suggestions. 

     

    Best wishes,
    Anil 

  • I did read a research paper that hypothesized that some medications when given to people with autism may result in side effects that are not found when tested on Neuro typical.

    The idea is that the chemical structures of the brain of someone with autism is different and therefore responds differently to medication.

    In you case I would do as the doctor suggests and  take him off medication and see if his appetite returns.

    In the meantime try to keep things really positive and calm at home, I know this is hard as you are so worried about him, but your anxiety will not help.  Distraction may help lift his mood.  Is there something he likes to do that you could encourage.  My son's love computer games, so I have encouraged courses in programming.  Another loves horse's so he has learnt about horse whispering as well as riding.

    Hope this helps.

  • I am sorry to ask for help, I just don't know how to help him, and I am being stonewalled by CAMHS.  I am concerned my son is going to develop full blown anorexia, and I am powerless to help him.  I have spoken to the gp, but he was useless.  He suggested taking him off the meds that are helping him, to see if they are causing nausea(even though it started before he began taking sertraline.  Or that it is psychological and he will get over it