What Is ODD?
ODD is a type of disruptive behavior disorder in children. It is characterized by negative, hostile, and defiant behavior that lasts at least 6 months. Children with ODD often:
- Lose their temper
- Argue with adults
- Defy or refuse to comply with adults' requests or rules
- Annoy people on purpose
- Blame others for mistakes or misbehavior
- Are sensitive or easily annoyed by others
- Are angry and resentful
- Are spiteful or vindictive
It is important to rule out other conditions such as mood disorder, conduct disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ODD often do have learning problems, and many meet criteria for ADHD. Conditions like bipolar disorder may be associated with symptoms similar to ODD, but may have different treatment approaches. Keep in mind that if your child is not responding to treatment, the diagnosis may not be correct or there may be co-occurring conditions, like ODD and ADHD.
What to Do?
Find a Therapist
If you have concerns about your child's behavior, ask the pediatrician for a referral to a child psychologist or psychiatrist.
Learn New Parenting Skills
Parenting a child with ODD can be difficult for parents and requires a different set of skills. Parents need support and understanding from others in order to help their child.
Traditional parenting that uses reason and logic may only result in anger and frustration in a child with ODD. This then leads to arguments with a child who does not want to play by the rules, and are most natural when in conflict with someone. Parents must teach their children that the only way to access the good things in life is by playing by the rules. Children must be given clear pictures of how they are expected to behave and interact within the family. They must understand that failure to comply will result in losing access to those things they value most, which will then have to be earned back.
There are parent training programs that have shown to be effective in treating ODD. In these types of programs, you learn how to use techniques like positive reinforcement and time outs to manage your child's behavior. Other types of treatments that are available for you and your child include: psychotherapy, family therapy, training to learn problem solving skills, and social skills training.
Learn About Medication Options
In some cases, the doctor may recommend medication to treat severe symptoms of ODD, especially if your child also has ADHD. Examples of medications that may be prescribed in these cases include anti-psychotic medications or stimulants.
How Is Jesse Doing?
Since Jesse's diagnosis, Lynda has gotten Jesse counseling, arranged for interventions in school, and created a good support system at home. "He is becoming part of the world now, instead of being the center of his universe," says Lynda.
Jesse, now 11, remembers a time when it was hard to find things to do that would not get him in trouble. Today, he is a skateboarder and frequently a role model for others in the classroom. He says, "It feels good that I can be an example to other kids who are having a harder time than me."
RESOURCES
Healthy Children—American Academy of Pediatrics http://www.healthychildren.org
Mental Health America http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Mental Health Association http://www.cmha.ca
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
References
ODD: A guide for families by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry website. Available at: https://www.aacap.org/App%5FThemes/AACAP/docs/resource%5Fcenters/odd/odd%5Fresource%5Fcenter%5Fodd%5Fguide.pdf. Accessed February 3, 2016.
Oppositional defiant disorder in children. Boston Children's Hospital website. Available at: http://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/oppositional-defiant-disorder. Accessed February 3, 2016.
Oppositional defiant disorder. Child Mind Institute website. Available at: http://www.childmind.org/en/health/disorder-guide/oppositional-defiant-disorder. Accessed February 3, 2016.
Oppositional defiant disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated October 23, 2015. Accessed February 3, 2016.