Question 1

What is oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)?

Accepted Answer

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a condition affecting children where they become combative, defiant, or angry. Children defy authority at different stages of growth. The behavior manifests through disobedience, arguments, and answering adults back. However, if such behavior exceeds six months, it may point at ODD.

Below eight years, boys have a higher ODD prevalence than girls, but chances are equal for both sexes by the age of eight. ODD affects around 2%-16% of teens and children. Anxiety, mood, and attention deficit disorders are other problems affecting children with ODD.

ODD victims exhibit low self-esteem and become moody.

Here are the main symptoms:

Arguing excessively
Use of obscene language
Repeated tantrums
Frequent anger outbursts
Refusal to obey requests from adults
Making mistakes and shifting blame
Being vengeful

While diagnosing ODD, a doctor conducts a physical exam followed by a medical history evaluation. Even though lab tests cannot interpret the condition, doctors may recommend blood tests or neuroimaging upon suspicion of medical reasons.

Failure by brain chemicals to work correctly may cause ODD. Brain injury among children is also to blame. A child born into a family with a history of mental illness is at risk. Dysfunctional families also contribute to children developing behavior disorders.

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.

Question 2

Does therapy help with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, therapy can be highly effective in treating oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). ODD is a disruptive disorder characterized by a pattern of angry and argumentative behavior. ODD is common among young children between the ages of 3-7, and impacts an estimated 3.3% of the population.

Family therapy can be effective for a child with ODD because it helps all family members improve their interactions and communication, not just the child.

Another popular type of therapy for ODD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). With CBT, the affected child learns to control their anger, communicate, and solve problems. Parents can also try peer group therapy to improve a child's social skills.

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.

Question 3

What is the best treatment for oppositional defiance disorder (ODD)?

Accepted Answer

The best treatment for oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) involves interventions from the family and some types of psychotherapy and treatment for the affected child. While treatment can only take several months for some children, it may take longer depending on how bad the disorder is and other relative factors.

Medications aren't usually required to treat ODD unless your child has another mental health disorder such as depression and anxiety.

At the moment, parental training remains to be the best treatment option. It involves having a mental health professional with experience of treating ODD and guiding you through the skills you can use to care for your child. The skills are consistent, rewarding, and do not frustrate either you or your child.

As a parent, you learn what instructions to give and what to do depending on the situation at hand through this guidance. It also helps you recognize and praise your child's positive behaviors by encouraging them to keep up with good behaviors.

In exceptional cases, the doctor might ask to take you and your child through the training so you can develop common goals and establish a bond that will help solve the problem at hand. Authority figures in your community, such as teachers, can also be included in the training program if need be.

Other treatment options for ODD include parent-child interaction therapy, individual and family training therapy, social skills training, and cognitive problem-solving training.

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

This 3-minute, online quiz can be used if you think your child is having emotional, attentional, or behavioral difficulties.

What is oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)?

Parent quiz: Child mental health checklist

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