| |
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) - Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Symptom, Cause, Treatment
All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed or upset Oppositional behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents. These children repeatedly lose their temper, argue with adults, and refuse to comply with rules and directions. More commonly seen in boys than girls, ODD can be diagnosed in children as young as 3 years of age. Emotionally draining for the parents and distressing for the child, oppositional defiant disorder can add fuel to what may already be a turbulent and stressful family life. ODD is a condition in which a child displays an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, hostile and annoying behavior toward people in authority. It is important to look for other disorders which may be present; such as, attentiondeficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder) and anxiety disorders One-third of children and adolescents seen in community-based clinics with psychiatric diagnoses are considered oppositional. Commonly they turn attention away from themselves by inciting parents and other family members to fight with one and other.
Oppositional defiant disorder is a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures. ODD is characterized by such problem behaviors as persistent fighting and arguing, being touchy or easily annoyed, and deliberately annoying or being spiteful or vindictive to other people. They are easily annoyed and blame others for their mistakes. Children with ODD show a pattern of stubbornness and frequently test limits, even in early childhoodDoctors, counselors and child development experts can help you learn specific parenting strategies and use proven techniques to help build a foundation of trust between you and your child and improve the underlying basis for these disruptive behaviors. Many children and teens with ODD also have other behavioral problems, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder , learning disabilities, mood disorders (such as depression ) and anxiety disorders
Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Some sSymptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder :
- often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules
- often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
- Disobedience
- Hostility directed toward authority figures
- Blaming others for mistakes or misbehavior
- Saying mean and hateful things when upset
- Few or no friends or loss of previous friends
- Angry and resentful affect
- Defiance of rules
- always questioning rules; refusal to follow rules
Causes of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
The common causes of Oppositional Defiant Disorder :
- A genetic component that when coupled with certain environmental conditions, such as lack of supervision, poor quality daycare or family instability, increases the risk for ODD
- The child's perception that he or she isn't getting enough of the parent's time and attention
- A chemical imbalance in the brain (especially with the brain chemical serotonin
- At least one parent is emotionally or physically unavailable to the child due to emotional problems of the parent (such as depression), separation or divorce, or work hours.
- The family's response to the child's style
- The child's inherent temperament
- A neurological cause, like a head injury
- Many children and teens with ODD have close family members with mental illnesses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders and personality disorders.
Treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- your child's (adolescent's) age, overall health, and medical history
- your child's (adolescent's) tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- develop a predictable, consistent, daily schedule of activity
- get involved in tasks and physical activities that provide a healthy outlet for energy
- your adolescent's tolerance for specific medications or therapies
- Individual psychotherapy for ODD often uses cognitive-behavioral approaches to improve problem solving skills, communication skills, impulse control, and anger management skills.
- Punitive treatments like boot camps and "behavioral modification" schools which restrict contact with parents and place the child amongst other disturbed children can do more harm than good.
- While not considered effective in treating ODD, medication may be used if other symptoms or disorders are present and responsive to medication.
- If the child becomes dangerous to himself or others, he may need to go to the hospital.
- Treatment often involves group, individual, and/or family therapy.
|
|
|
