Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Children with ODD seem angry a lot. They blame others for their mikstakes, act in negative or hostile ways and they frequently and deliberately disobey the rules and requests of adults. They argue with adults and seem resentful. These children are touchy and easily annoyed and will make almost any activity seem more difficult than it should be.

Most children and teens will display these behaviors at times. In fact, most teenagers behave in this manner a lot! But, it is developmentally normal for teenagers to try to set their own limits, detach from their parents and get into some minor trouble.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a little diffe
et that the occasional demonstration of these symptoms. In order to meet the criteria for ODD, this behavior has to be present consistently over several months. Although ODD is listed as a mental disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, this is a LEARNED behavior. Either the child has learned how to behave this way because the parents accidentally taught him how to behave that way, or the child could be reacting to legitimate anger about loss, grief, divorce or family dysfunction.

Other disorders such as ADHD, anxiety, depression and bi-polar disorder have their roots in brain chemistry. Often medication is suggested when other techniques aren’t helping to try to balance the chemicals and stabalize problematic moods and behaviors. There is no medication that can correct these symptoms.
With Oppositional Defiant Disorder, the only fix is for the parents to change their parenting into a consistent, positive, encouragement model to help the child re-lea
more appropriate behaviors. Often, anger management and social skills training for the child (and the parents) go hand in hand with the change in discipline tactics at home.

Over time, the angry, hostile, argumentative behaviors will improve and your child can become more enjoyable to everyone and more cooperative. The results will be an improvement in family relationships, social relationships and performance at school. As usual, early intervention is the key to success.

It is very common for ODD to be present at the same time as other diagnosises, such as ADHD, anxiety and depression.

If Oppositional Defiant Disorder is not corrected early, these oppositional and defiant behavior patterns that have been learned can become ingraned. A more severe condition may develop by the teen years that will be much harder, if not nearly impossible, to change.

So, when you are changing your parenting techniques, focus on:
*Encouraging the child to make good choicesn*Insisting on effective communication strategies (which may have to be taught first)
*Praising the child frequently for making good choicesn*Be consistent and structured in your daily schedule and structuren*Be swift and compassionate when delivering consequences for severe behaviors.
*Abstain from verbally or physically aggressive disciplinary tactics.
*Be in alighment and in cooperation with your spouse.
*Offer education and “training” to help your child change the undesirable behaviors
*Work with your child's teacher to assure similar tactics are being offered at school to allow for a consistent messagennn