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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/30/2011 11:33 PM (GMT 0)

My eleven year old son has been hospitalized for three days and the final diagnois is heightened anxiety.  I suffer from anxiety myself but am able to talk myself out of the attacks.  He is experieceing hallunciations, and some vocal tics which is not Tourrette's.  My question is how long is this going to last, it seem as if it was chemical induced because he intially had a cough and we used a couple of different cough syrups to try and help, but that didn't work he was also sleep deprived due to the cough that was going on for two weeks.  When we went to the doctor she gave him predinsone and albuterol and within one hour the hallunications began, crying, fear and vocal tics.  He is getting better which this is the fifth day, but does anyone know how long I can expect this to last.  I don't want to get him out of his routine of school and make it more difficulty for him to return.  Please help!

Posted 10/31/2011 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
I don't think anyone could predict how long it may last. The best thing you can do is have a psychiatrist or a clinician spend some quality time with him, and get to know all of the symptoms and all of the previous treatments. Hallucinations are not commonly a part of anxiety without something else going on. Or it could just be a reaction to the medication on top of sleep deprivation.

Even if he starts to get better but continues to have anxiety, getting him into a regular therapy routine might help. Also let his guidance counselor and teachers at school know about it so they know what to do if he has an attack or starts having symptoms of something else. You always want them to be prepared and let them know what you want them to do.
Posted 10/31/2011 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Chris and welcome. I am very sorry to hear of your son's troubles. I agree with Alaskah, you need to find a specialist of some sort to get to the bottom of his sudden symptoms.

A child psychiatrist, a neurologist and possibly an allergist would be where I would start.

Hopefully it turns out to be something temporary and treatable:)

Let us know how he is doing soon, and post anytime for support, we'll be here for you.

Comfort and healing,
Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/31/2011 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,
I also have a son who struggles with anxiety but other dx's. He is now 13. I use a lot of relaxation techniques with him. He likes the Lucinda Bassett Attacking Anxiety and depression relaxation cd. Its progressive relaxation. Its on utube but you can google it and there is two parts to it. You may find it helpful as well. I also struggle with anxiety and depression and really enjoy using it at night time with my son but even during the day. Sometimes when my son is anxious about something I try to get to the root of it with a lot of empathy and reassurance. Usually there is some kind of fear at the root of the anxiety. If you don't already have a therapist or psychiatrist get a referral for one. You need to feel comfortable with them. We went through a few until we found the right one for our son.
There is hope but there is also work on your part to help find ways for him to self soothe when he is feeling anxious.
Oh, there are some great breathing techniques out there too that a therapist who works with kids with anxiety could help you with.
You will be ok. Take one day at a time or one hour at a time to get through it.
From one parent to another I wish you some peace of mind when you get on the right track. I will check in and hope you find some answers to your questions.
cookie
Posted 11/2/2011 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks to everyone for your responses, they have been helpful and provided me with the support I needed. I have scheduled my son an appointment to see a therapist and we having been reading some children books on aniexty that were referred to me by his peds. Dr. After reading we have had some discussion time but I still can't get to the root of the aniexty, so I am glad he will see someone next week. He also seems to be improving but likes to engage himself in long computer or video games to occupy his time. I try to redirect his attention somewhere else but his not interested to much in anything else at this point. Thanks again everyone and I will continue to post with updates and receive suggestions.
Posted 11/2/2011 8:37 PM (GMT 0)
I am glad that there has been some improvement for your son! I hope that it continues and that you will learn more after his appointment next week.

Keep us posted, and may all of your family be blessed with a sense of peace, even during this tough time.

Hugs,
S.C.
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