Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
A behavior disorder characterized by uncooperative, defiant, negative, irritable, and annoying behavior toward parents, teachers, and other authority figures in children and teens. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is reported to affect between 2 and 16 percent of children and adolescents in the general population, usually appearing by age eight. ODD is more common in boys than in girls and may be more common among those children whose parents are having marital problems. Oppositional defiant disorder often coexists with other mental health disorders such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, conduct disorder, and ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER.
Symptoms
Most symptoms seen in teens with oppositional defiant disorder also occur occasionally in healthy adolescents, but those with ODD experience more frequent symptoms that interfere with learning, school adjustment, and relationships. Children with ODD argue excessively, refuse to comply with appropriate requests, and always question rules and refuse to follow them. Their behavior is intended to annoy or upset others, and the child often blames others and is easily annoyed by them. Often, the ODD child has an angry attitude, speaking harshly, or unkindly and deliberately behaving in ways that seek revenge.
Treatment
Treatment may include individual therapy, family therapy, peer group therapy, or medication.
Individual psychotherapy Therapists often use cognitive-behavioral approaches with an ODD child to improve problem solving skills, communication skills, impulse control, and anger management skills.
Family therapy Family therapy is often focused on making changes within the family system, such as improving communication skills and family interactions. Parenting children with ODD can be very difficult and trying for parents. Parents need support and understanding as well as techniques that aid in developing more effective parenting approaches.
Peer group therapy This method of treatment focuses on helping the affected child develop social skills and interpersonal skills.
Medication While not considered effective in treating ODD, medication may be used if other symptoms or disorders are present and responsive to medication.
Symptoms
Most symptoms seen in teens with oppositional defiant disorder also occur occasionally in healthy adolescents, but those with ODD experience more frequent symptoms that interfere with learning, school adjustment, and relationships. Children with ODD argue excessively, refuse to comply with appropriate requests, and always question rules and refuse to follow them. Their behavior is intended to annoy or upset others, and the child often blames others and is easily annoyed by them. Often, the ODD child has an angry attitude, speaking harshly, or unkindly and deliberately behaving in ways that seek revenge.
Treatment
Treatment may include individual therapy, family therapy, peer group therapy, or medication.
Individual psychotherapy Therapists often use cognitive-behavioral approaches with an ODD child to improve problem solving skills, communication skills, impulse control, and anger management skills.
Family therapy Family therapy is often focused on making changes within the family system, such as improving communication skills and family interactions. Parenting children with ODD can be very difficult and trying for parents. Parents need support and understanding as well as techniques that aid in developing more effective parenting approaches.
Peer group therapy This method of treatment focuses on helping the affected child develop social skills and interpersonal skills.
Medication While not considered effective in treating ODD, medication may be used if other symptoms or disorders are present and responsive to medication.
Tags: annoying behavior, behavior disorder, defiant, irritable, negative, ODD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, uncooperative
Posted in Health and Wellness
