what medicine is best for a child of 6 yrs old to use for compulsive disorder

Tracy - It would be extremely difficult to answer that question without much more info about the disorder itself and other problems that may exist. Please be sure to have your child evaluated by an experienced clinician who works with children with these types of disorders. There are nonmedical treatments for anxiety disorders which may prove helpful and these should be explored.

Rick Wirtz

Rick Wirtz is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Although the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medications or give you specific advice about them, they typically have experience working with patients who take a variety of medications. The response above is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own physician.

Hi Tracy

Let me go straight to the point, NEVER BUT NEVER ASK THESE KIND OF QUESTIONS ON LINE especialy when its concening a  child.

You might get some answers that are more hurtfull that you think so please BEWARE. 

Hi Tracy,

I just feel the need to respond to your question as well.  Dr. Wirtz is totally correct in encouraging you to seek nonmedication therapies, and Suffolk gives a very warranted warning about the answers you might get by asking this question online.

I'd like to emphasize the fact that your child is very, very young and that as a parent (of a 9 year old and a 5 year old), medication would be my very last resort if one of my children had OCD.  Aside from concerns about a child so young taking medication, there is some indication that Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) is more effective for kids anyway.

However, you need to find a specialist who treats OCD in kids.  You can search for one on the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) website.  There's also a book, What to do When Your Brain Gets Stuck, for kids.  The reading level is too difficult for your child, but it may still be beneficial for you to read the book to your child.

Regards,

Jennifer L. Fee, Psy.D.

The Stress Masters

*Jennifer Fee, Psy.D. is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications, Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds. or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Fee's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.