Like all of us, children have trouble managing their emotions and behavior from time to time. Arguments, tantrums and other negative behaviors are normal, particularly when children are hungry, tired, upset or overstimulated. However, when defiance and hostile behavior begin to affect family life, daily functioning or a child’s social or academic performance, it is time to seek professional help.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavior disorder most commonly diagnosed in childhood, with symptoms beginning to appear between the ages of 6 and 8 years. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, ODD is more common in boys and affects up to 16% of school-age children and adolescents in the United States.
About ODD
It is unclear what causes ODD, but researchers have two theories. The first is developmental theory, which suggests that ODD arises when toddlers have trouble learning to be independent from a parent or caregiver. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the behavior exhibited by these children may be normal developmental issues that are lasting beyond the toddler years. Learning theory suggests that ODD behaviors are learned and that the attention they attract from parents or caregivers are negative reinforcement for a child, who then continues these behaviors. Genetic factors are also thought to play a part in whether a child will develop ODD.
What to look for
ODD is characterized by a pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting for at least six months. The signs of ODD include a child:
Losing his or her temper or throwing tantrums
Arguing with adults or actively refusing to follow rules or requests
Acting spitefully or seeking revenge on others
Being touchy or easily annoyed, seeming angry and resentful
Setting out to annoy or upset others
Blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
Managing negative behaviors
Early diagnosis and treatment of ODD will reduce the likelihood of future behavioral problems. Young children are particularly responsive to early intervention programs that teach social skills and how to manage strong emotions, such as anger, in an appropriate way. For older children and teens, psychotherapists recommend talk therapy and learning social skills as being highly effective ways to reduce troublesome behaviors.
Family therapy can help a whole family make changes to the way each member communicates and interacts with the others, and offers tools for managing conflict more effectively. Family therapy also provides emotional support for parents and siblings. Parent training can be very helpful for caregivers navigating a diagnosis of ODD, providing them with creative strategies for managing defiant behavior.
Where do I look for help?
Psychotherapists are trained in recognizing the symptoms of behavior disorders like ODD, making a diagnosis and helping determine whether a child has other mental health or learning conditions that commonly coexist with ODD. Children or teens with ODD have a higher chance of having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, and mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, and it is important that these are also treated.
Psychotherapists are skilled at developing effective individualized treatment plans for your child or teen, as well as the family unit. Behavioral therapies are recommended over medication as a first-line treatment for ODD, but can be useful in treating other conditions such as ADHD or mood disorders.
What is the outlook for my child?
A 2015 trial found collaborative problem solving to be an effective technique for treating ODD. An encouraging 50% of children involved in collaborative problem solving with their parents no longer met criteria for ODD after six months.
If your child has been given an ODD diagnosis or your family is managing problematic behavior, we can help. Contact Family Relations Intervention today for a confidential discussion about empowering your family to work through a difficult time.