Oppositional Defiant Disorder

By: Michelle Albo, LMHC

All children from time to time misbehave.  They may argue, defy, scream, and act out their frustrations to parents, teachers and adults.  Most children have been oppositional at one time or another.  In fact it is normal for two to three year olds to have oppositional behavior.

When children or adolescents act out in hostile or volatile, or uncooperative ways and when it is frequently consistent that it impacts their social, family and academic life, it is may be a time of concern. In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster’s day to day functioning.                

Symptoms of ODD may include:

•Frequent temper tantrums

•Excessive arguing with adults

•Often questioning rules

•Active defiance and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules

•Deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people

•Blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior

•Often being touchy or easily annoyed by others

•Frequent anger and resentment

•Mean and hateful talking when upset

•Spiteful attitude and revenge seeking

If a child is presenting with symptomology of ODD, then a comprehensive evaluation is recommended to rule out any underlying disorders that may be lingering.

 

Treatment of ODD may include: Parent Management Training Programs to help parents and others manage the child’s behavior; Individual Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Cognitive Problem-Solving Skills Training, and Social Skills Training.

Medication may be helpful in controlling some of the more distressing symptoms of ODD as well as the symptoms related to coexistent conditions such as ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders.

A child with ODD can be very difficult for parents.  These parents need support and understanding. 

Parents can help their child with ODD in the following ways:

•Always build on the positives, give the child praise and positive reinforcement when he shows flexibility or cooperation.

•Take a time-out or break if you are about to make the conflict with your child worse, not better. 

•Pick your battles.  Since the child with ODD has trouble avoiding power struggles, prioritize the things you want your child to do. 

•Set up reasonable, age appropriate limits with consequences that can be enforced consistently.

•Maintain interests other than your child with ODD, so that managing your child doesn’t take all your time and energy. 

•Manage your own stress with healthy life choices such as exercise and relaxation.

 

Many children with ODD will respond to the positive parenting techniques.  Parents may seek a qualified mental health professional who can diagnose and treat ODD and any coexisting psychiatric condition as well as seek out a psychiatrist to assist with medication management.

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Learn more about about Michelle Albo, LMHC, or, if you need more information about Oppositional Defiant Disorder, you can reach Michelle Albo, LMHC at (954) 227-2700 or (561) 347-0997.