Is it OCD

My 16 yr old son began having problems with repetative thoughts at the age of 10. We were able to help him through it at the time without medical intervention. At the age of 14 he started to have panic attacks and we sought help from our family MD. He started him on 10mg on Celexa, which helped him feel "normal". After 1 year my son stopped taking Celexa and felt great for about 6 months, even lost weight. The re-current thoughts started again and our MD prescribed Lexapro 15 mg which after 9 weeks have not stopped the thoughts. I would like to know if this kind of thinking is actually a form of OCD, and what is the best medication for the problem. Just a foot note. Outside of the obsessive thoughts , my son seems to be healthy and normal with a great family relationship, has lots of friends and outside interests and gets good grades in school.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Consider the recurrent thoughts as a form of anxiety.  Then either medication should help. Also, kids in this age group go through a lot of changes quickly, and what might be a problem today could evaporate tomorrow...its a matter of anxiety, adapting and developing...a few sessions with a therapist could also help, doesn't sound like he would need much more than that.

[dixiecup]

Thoughts that won't leave your head and panic attacks are definitely signs of OCD/anxiety disorder. Until I started an antidepressant, my mind never rested and was always racing. Telephone numbers, tag numbers, sayings, all sorts of thing would go over and over in my head. I am now taking Strattera, and it is working. Strattera is prescribed for ADHD (non-stimulant)and is a form of antidepressant. Strattera or another antidepressant might help. Recurring thoughts might seem like nothing to someone who has never had them, but they are maddening.