[bonsaroonie]

I rarely share intimate info about my extended family, but I do have some indirect experience with OCD and anxiety. I think there's much misinformation out there about OCD, anxiety, and mental illness in general. That's what motivated me to respond. (I have to add that I do not have experience with meds and ADD or the myriad of other issues your children are dealing with.)

I have seen the positive effects of Prozac (and its predecessors) on my sister. She was diagnosed with anxiety and OCD at age 10. (My mom's bi-polar, so my parents knew what signs to be looking for.) She's now 32, has her Masters degree, is married and just had a baby 2 months ago (by the way, her anxiety and OCD were so bad that, at her doctor's recommendation, she stayed on a low dose of meds during her pregnancy). She's living a normal, fulfilling life. She's been on medications for most of these 22 years.

Medications have been a saving grace for my sister. I'm so glad that my parents were open-minded about treating her. (FYI - my sister is a biokid and didn't suffer from ADD or most of the other issues that your children are suffering from.)

The reality is that SOME kids do great on meds. Of course everyone's entitled to their opinion, but I think it is unfair for folks to make blanket statements about "not medicating kids" under any circumstance.

I wanted to add that you may have to try several meds before you find the right one for your children. (You probably already knew that, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.) Depakote, for instance, knocked my sister out - she would sleep for 18 hours a day.

Most importantly, I wanted to offer my support in your decision.