Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

[Guest]

Dr.,

My 19-year old cousin just stopped all his medications for OCD, Depression, and Panic Disorder. He has had OCD most of his life (but never needed medication), the depression and panic developed after his OCD got worse last June. He was quickly put on Luvox, Risperidone, Buspar, and and ADD medication (he always had that too), plus ERP therapy once a week. After one year, he stopped two of his meds, and this past month stopped the Luvox and Buspar.

My question is, although I am thrilled to hear about his success, it sounds quite rare to be such a complete recovery. What are his chances of staying off the meds and well (generally speaking of course).

Thanks as always, and I understand the reluctance to answer my other question, but wanted to ask anyway since my GP didn't sound too sure about 2 or 3X a day.

[Guest]

About 30-40%. There are variables: everyone is different in judging what they will tolerate in terms of symptoms and side effects. One person's "recovery" may be another's "epoisode". Both ADD and anxiety tend to be chronic, yet there are many people who get better. Let's hope he's one of them.

PS 2x a day or 3x a day realy doesn't matter in terms of long term efficacy. 2x a day is easier, but some people get less side effects (GI, headache) if they take the medication on a 3x a day schedule and lower each dose.
[quote] Dr. ,

My 19-year old cousin just stopped all his medications for OCD, Depression, and Panic Disorder... [/quote]