For most parents, talking back, disobedience and temper tantrums are a normal part of childhood. All children misbehave from time to time, especially when between the ages of 2 and 3 and again when they become adolescents. But for some parents, these are a part of every day life. When the defiant, the talking back, being uncooperative and negative behaviors are characteristic of a child’s behavior, parents often look for answers. Sometimes the answer is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).
Symptoms
According to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition), symptoms of ODD are:
- Loses temper often
- Argues with adults
- Defies or refuses to comply to adult’s requests or rules
- Deliberately annoys people
- Blames others for own mistakes
- Often angry and resentful
- Often spiteful or vindictive.
In order to be diagnosed with ODD, at least four of the above symptoms must be present for at least six months. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, any where from five to fifteen percent of children exhibit signs of ODD. Although symptoms are usually most noticeable in school or at home, they can be seen in many different places and normally academics, social and family life are all negatively impacted.
If a parent believes their child may be exhibiting symptoms of ODD, they should contact their family physician and request a complete evaluation. Doctors should check for co-existing conditions, such as ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder or learning disabilities as well as rule out any physical causes for the behavior. If there are co-existing conditions, it is important to treat them, as it is difficult to correct behavioral problems until other conditions are managed.
Treatment
Treatment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder can include the following:
- Parent Training
- Individual and Family Therapy
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Social Skills Training
Children with ODD are difficult and resist parents at every opportunity. Parents should try to incorporate positive parenting techniques such as:
- Use positive reinforcement whenever possible
- Walk away from the situation before over-reacting. Additional conflict will often escalate a situation rather than acting as a calming force.
- Set specific limits for your child based on their age.
- Consistently and calmly enforce the rules of your home.
- Allow yourself time away from your child to develop your own interests.
- Find friends, relatives and teachers that will support your efforts and provide you a break from dealing with your child.
In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips for Positive Parenting through the different age groups.
Untreated, children with ODD can develop Conduct Disorder, although with positive parenting, many children with ODD respond and develop better behavioral patterns.
References:
Oppositional Defiant Disorder Diagnostic Criteria, MentalHealth.com
Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 1999
Oppositional Defiant Disorder, University of Virginia Health System
Eileen Bailey - Eileen Bailey is a freelance writer. She began her writing career almost 20 years ago writing marketing material and sales presentations. ...
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