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Friday, June 16, 2017

Oppositional Defiant Disorder



Definition:
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a condition in which a child displays an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, hostile, resistant and an annoying behavior towards people in authority. 
In order to be diagnosed the behavior must be present for at least 6 months.

Symptoms: It is difficult to differentiate between a normal but an emotional child with a child with an oppositional defiant disorder. It is not unusual for children to argue, disobey or talk back to their parents, teachers or other adults, but when such a behavior gets too annoying to disrupt the child’s daily life and activities, lasts longer than 6 months and is excessive for the child’s age than it becomes a psychological disorder known as Oppositional defiant disorder. 

ODD is characterized by frequent occurrence of at least four of the following behaviors:
  • losing temper
  • arguing with adults.
  • actively defying or refusing to comply with the request or rules of the adults.
  • deliberately doing things that will annoy others
  • getting angry
  • showing violent behavior.
  • blaming others on his/her own mistakes
  • being touch and easily annoyed by others.
  • unwillingness to compromise.
  • Acting aggressive towards peers
  • Have academic problems.
Related Mental health issues: A child with oppositional defiant disorder may have associated other mental health issues like anxiety, depression and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The symptoms of theses conditions may overlap and sometimes it is difficult to diagnose as one particular disorder.

Things to Consider:
If a child is suspected to have an abnormal behavior that points toward certain psychological or mental disorder it is important not to neglect it. It is always important to diagnose and treat the condition. Also consider :
  • Any underlying illnesses that are causing these behavioral changes.
  • substance abuse
  • Any family related issues that are causing the child to have mental stress and behave abnormally
  • Any recent change in lifestyle like new home, new school, parents separated etc.
  • Child abuse
Management:

1. Treating Oppositional defiant disorder involves several types of psychotherapy and training the child as well as the parent.

2. Any co-existing conditions like ADHD or other illness should be treated accordingly.

3. Helping the child understand how to manage the anger and express his/her feelings in a more healthier way.

4. Making the child more efficient in communication with the adults and helping the adult members of the family how to understand the child’s feelings and how to respond when he behaves bad or inappropriately.

5. Medicines are not a treatment option as very little research has been done with drugs for this disorder.

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