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The Doctor's Reply

Thank you for your very thoughtful email this afternoon.  Ewen's condition is certainly challenging, as you suggest.  I agree with you that we should look at an adjustment to our current strategy.  This will require a discussion in person.  Ewen should be present.  

Here are two quick heads up.  First, Buspar is not going to be my first option.  The best data in the literature do not support what we are trying to do for Ewen with Buspar.  Second, transcranial magnetic stimulation has no place in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, or tics.  There are no compelling studies whatsoever in the child/adolescent literature.

Clearly, Prozac has been extraordinarily helpful.  Thus, our initial approach is going to see what we can do to augment Prozac at the 4 ml dose, while addressing tics.  

Finally, do not forget the power of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy in treating anxiety and depression.  Do not forget that remission of anxiety results in remission of tics.

Thanks, and I'll get back to you with possible rapid appointment times.

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