[Guest]

My question relates to my 8 year old son, who exhibits GAD.. He is tense all the time, has nervous ticks, and most especially he has problems breathing... shortness of breath/ shallow breathing/ holds his breath and then tries to suck in enough air to talk... What kind of doctor would you recommend, and do you recommend medication for children this young? This has been an ongoing problem for the last 3 years, he sees a psychologist but it does not seem to be helping at all. There is depression and anxiety on the maternal side of the family... Thank you for any direction you can give me.

[Guest]

The use of medication other than stimulants for ADD in an eight year old is a controverial topic. Research is spotty, but the pracice is widespread. I would see a child psychiatrist. I would ask the psychologist that you are seeing if he knows of one with a good reputation. If you live near a major medical center, so much the better.
[quote] My question relates to my 8 year old son, who exhibits GAD. ... [/quote]