What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

It’s natural for children to oppose what you say. As they grow, they learn that arguing, talking back, and disobeying is disrespectful. It’s a normal part of a child’s development.

If this uncooperative and disruptive behavior continues after the age of 8, so much so, that it stands out when compared to other children; then it becomes a potential problem. If there is an ongoing pattern of defiant and hostile behavior against the family or authoritative figures, you should take your child to his/her primary doctor.

From there he/she will undergo a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of the condition and what kind of treatment he/she should undergo.

 

Symptoms of ODD

can be seen in a variety of settings but will be most common at home. Some include;

  • Excessive arguing, especially with adult figures
  • Spiteful attitude
  • Seeks revenge
  • Touchy or easily annoyed
  • Frequent, on-going, temper tantrums
  • Defiance 
  • Deflection avoids taking ownership of mistakes
  • When upset, mean, or hateful
  • Frequently angry 
  • Purposefully annoys people

 

Treatments of ODD

Some people do find that medication helps with ODD conditions, such as anxiety or mood disorders. Most ODD treatments include different kind of therapies;

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Seeks to help the patient overcome some kind of behavior, habit, or emotion; such as nail-biting, anger management, ADHD, etc.
  • Applied Behavior Analysis: Helps patients overcome problematic behaviors which are prohibiting social functions, using positive and negative reinforcement. This therapy promotes independence. 
  • Psychoanalytical Therapy: Often named, “talk therapy.” This kind of therapy seeks to unearth emotional and behavioral patterns, which are preventing progress, through analysis Of past and present relationships.

Lifestyle of ODD

Before finding a treatment that will help with the disruptive behavior, living with someone who has ODD can be difficult. They test your parental authority, question your choices, and flat-out ignore boundaries. Establishing strategies that will help your child understand societal norms can be done. After treatment, they will learn to use the tools they gain in therapy to feel more in control. You as a parent learn how to calm them down and how to best remove them from a situation that might evoke a negative reaction. 

There are opportunities available to help your child lead a ‘normal’ life. Depending on your state there are different programs or living option, including;

  • Governmental Institutions (jobs)
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Group Homes
  • Family Care Homes

Other Notes

  • ODD is sometimes just one diagnosis to multiple conditions. It becomes difficult to treat ODD if medical personal is not aware of all underlying conditions (Autism, ADHD, )
  • Speech therapy: Assessment and Treatment that helps individuals overcome speech or language impairments.
  • Physical therapy: Treatment focuses on improving motor skills, balance, coordination, strength, endurance, and cognitive processing.
  • Occupational Therapy: Help individuals develop and improve daily living skills.
  • Apply for ADA and SSD

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