Generalized anxiety and PTSD in Son

I am a mother who wants to know how effective cognitive behavioral therapy is in combating generalized anxiety and/or PTSD.

My son did occupational therapy for sensory integration dysfunction from age 4 -5 and 1/2. He seemed fine, although a little more cautious. Then after a dog attacked him, he developed PTSD or severe anxiety. We tried therapy and biofeedback. Nothing.


He's now on medication and is much, much better, but still needs therapy, I think. He's a perfectionist. He's now 12, and is very, very bright (he has straight A's or A+ grades), but socially he struggles with being over-reactive or dealing with disappointment (like on a test grade) -- more emotionally immature in some ways, but more mature than classmates as far as other behaviors (doing what the teacher expects). I just need encouragement. (My husband is a perfectionist and rather anxious also, so I have to constantly run interference and combat negative thinking.)


Does therapy work? Is there hope? His self-esteem suffers. He's got to toughen up in some ways and loosen up in others.


I see a tremendous amount of success in my practice when it comes to treating children with anxiety. It absolutely can work!

The research shows that medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy are both effective in treating Generalized Anxiety. I always try therapy first, and if kids are not making progress we look at medication, and then return to therapy. Often this kind of child will benefit more from therapy after the meds kick in. Perhaps this explains why therapy didn’t work the first time around.

My personal experience with children is that you have to incorporate a focus on how they hold stress and anxiety in their body as well. Certainly this is what biofeedback would do, but biofeedback has not really been convincingly shown to be any more helpful than progressive muscle relaxation (which most therapists can do in their office). Additionally it seems to me that if your child really required the meds, the biofeedback might have been more successful after the meds!.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has also been shown effective in treating PTSD.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy should help your son to explore how to react more calmly in the situations you are describing. It would help him to focus more on how to challenge his thoughts are driving his anxiety. Mindfulness may be another helpful avenue to explore for treating his anxiety. If he is a good student, then he might be more receptive to these techniques which require a little homework!

Additionally you may want to explore some EMDR for your child. Find a qualified professional who has been practicing for several years as this has been indicated as an effective form of treatment for PTSD.

You might require two different therapists for these approaches. The fit of the therapist is also key to progress. Both you and your child need to feel comfortable.

Good luck!!!


Kristen