Oppositional Defiant Disorder: How Do I Help My Child?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavior condition found in children who continue to display patterns of hostile and uncooperative behavior. ODD can disrupt the daily interactions and activities of a child. Most of the time, this behavior is toward people in authority. While it is common for children to be oppositional on occasion, ODD goes beyond what is considered typical behavior.

It is common for children and teens with ODD to have other behavior problems such as ADD, depression, anxiety, and even learning disabilities. ODD isn’t just a typical temper tantrum. It frequently includes irritability and vindictiveness toward others, especially those in authoritative roles. It has also been noted that, when untreated or misdiagnosed, ODD can continue into adulthood.

Symptoms of ODD

To diagnose children and adolescents with ODD, it is important to recognize the symptoms. A child or adolescent with one or two of these symptoms usually isn’t diagnosed with ODD. For it to be Oppositional Defiant Disorder, the child must have at least four of these symptoms over the course of six months.

• Being argumentative
• Irritable mood
• Frequent anger outbursts
• Refusing to cooperate with adults and instructions/requests
• Questioning or disregarding rules habitually
• Behavior patterns of upset, anger, or annoyance with authority figures
• Often blaming others for mistakes and behavior
• Vindictive or spiteful behavior; including unkind acts when angry
• Consistently arguing with authority figures or adults

To obtain an accurate diagnosis of ODD, it is important to give the medical professional an accurate and complete medical history. This will allow for a more complete treatment plan.

Causes of ODD

There is no medically known cause of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. It is thought that a combination of various factors contributes to ODD behavior.

The psychological factors that may play a part in ODD are linked to how the child was parented. This includes an absent or neglectful parent and a poor parent/child relationship. The inability to interact socially is also a factor of ODD.

Social factors that influence ODD are typically those that revolve around the interaction of the child’s family. For instance, a chaotic home environment that struggles with poverty can play a role in this disorder. Abuse, inconsistent parenting, and uninvolved parents are part of the chaotic home environment that can affect the probability of a child developing ODD.

Some biological factors can affect the onset of ODD—most of these stem from parental mental health, as well as other behaviors such as drug use. Exposure to toxins and poor nutrition can also influence oppositional defiant disorder in children.

Treating Oppositional Defiant Disorder

The most important part of treatment for ODD is that it begins as early as possible. If intervention is delayed, it could lead to conduct disorder, which is an ongoing pattern of aggression.

During treatment, the therapist needs to work closely with teachers as well as parents to ensure that the treatment program is effective. This is because typical behavior techniques don’t always work with children who have ODD.

Therapy is one of the top ways to treat this disorder. Most therapy treatment involves cognitive problem-solving, skills, and family therapy. It is also common to have parent training and social skills training to help manage strategies as well as teach interaction skills.

Medication is not considered a treatment for ODD, but the child may need medication to treat a coexisting condition such as anxiety or ADHD.

Effectively Helping a Child with ODD

Reducing behavioral problems by implementing behavior modification methods is highly effective in treating ODD. Most of the time, the treatment focuses on one or two problems, but will also include reinforcing social behaviors.

Creating a positive relationship: The first place to start in ODD treatment is to build a positive relationship with the child. Parent-child engagement typically begins with child-led play during therapy, where the parent provides positive reinforcement.

Establish a routine: Children with ODD cope with transitioning from one activity to another when there is a routine. Using routines and rules consistently in a fair manner is important in helping them cope with these changes.

Set expectations: Setting clear expectations and rules will reduce misbehavior—most children with ODD desire to annoy parents and teachers to get negative responses.

Reward acceptable behaviors: Providing rewards for acceptable behavior encourages children to disengage from ODD behavior. This can be done in several ways, using behavior, management systems, and charts.

Manage reactions to the behavior: When a parent can manage their reactions to the behavior, it can be beneficial in the treatment of ODD. When a parent can refrain from lecturing and arguing with the child, it can reduce the probability of the child being encouraged to continue the misbehavior.

Parents should also make a point of not letting the child see them angry. When the parent can react calmly and matter-of-factly, the child will be less likely to continue aggressive behavior.

Treatment Plan and Strategies

Oppositional Defiant Disorder can be challenging for parents. It is important to give an accurate and quick diagnosis so that a treatment plan and strategies can be put into place. If you would like more information or assistance with ODD, contact our office today. One of our representatives can help you schedule an appointment with a local Christian counselor.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:2, NIV