Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Ycart]

Friend struggling to get help for her 20yo son, he has a complex array of medical conditions. OCD and associated eating disorder (Butterfly Organisation think AFRID) the primary issues right now.

Feb/Mar this year son spent 45 days in general admission, 18 blood transfusions and muscle biopsy later, it was decided it was malnutrition. Was sent home with vitamins and no treatment/plan to reduce OCD events/establish better eating habits. Has not showered/washed since March 2023 (you can imagine).

More recently engaged in ED behaviours [edited by moderator] and local MH say does not meet our criteria. Did spend 5 days in another MH unit, GP organised where they kept saying should not be here, were not able to get him to shower, he did eat his very limited foods because they threatened he was be kept if he did not and no therapy sessions or med adjustment.  GP has now thrown hands up said I cannot do any more, psychiatrist said if he does not want help, no point coming back (son not acknowledging behaviours), and said needs to see psychologist. Special eating disorder psychologist have advised needs to see psychiatrist for OCD meds them we can work with him.

OCD habits consum son

Content/trigger warning

(must do these to be able to eat, and if disturbed will not eat) with events go from 3-7 hours at a time, spinning (can be 30 mins - to multi hours - worn carpet):

·       pacing

·       flushing toilet (up to 63 times and 3 x rolls used each event, flushing every piece of paper)

·       scratching chest (red raw) and rubbing eyes

·       looking/starring out into space

·       thongs/cloths on and off 20 times before/once entering house every time

·       repeating words over and over and making mum repeat words

·       we think son believes the rituals/calming mechanism are required.

If able to eat, only eating a white bread sandwich and tiny ready biscuits. Nothing different for well over one year now.

Mum is beside herself, cannot work, worried sick. So we are now reaching out to this community. 

Thanks in advance.

[tyme]

Hi there @Ycart ,

I'm hearing you. I'm so sorry to hear what this mother and son must be going through. It must be heart breaking for onlookers. 

I'm hearing he does not meet the criteria for ED treatment, however, I can see that OCD is taking over his life.

It sounds like he is on OCD meds? Is that right to say? 

I can't say we have a magic solution for his OCD, but I'm hearing he needs support. Does he see an OCD specialist regularly?

At the same time, does his mother or caregivers have supports in place for themselves?

[Ycart]

Hi

No not on OCD meds only anxiety, we cannot get anyone to work with him as he is not acknowledging his conditions heightened behaviour.

We are now seeking OCD support hence reaching out here, as we been going around and around.

[edited by moderator]

Seeking advice on in patient locations. 

[tyme]

Hey @Ycart ,

I hear how hard it is work with him if he is not willing. I wonder if he can go to a prevention and recovery centre, even to give his mum some respite?

[Ycart]

Sounds promising, where are these located and how can one be admitted?