Children with oppositional defiant disorder

All children are at odds from time to time, especially when you're tired, hungry, stressed or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers and other adults. Oppositional behavior is often a part of normal development from two to three years and young adolescents. However, the behavior openly hostile and uncooperative becomes a serious problem when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out compared to other children of similar age and developmental level and when it affects the child's social, life family and school.
In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is a model being uncooperative, defiant and hostile to authority figures that seriously interferes with day to the daily functioning of the young. The symptoms of ODD may include:

    * Wrath frequent
    * Excessive talking with adults
    * Often questioning rules
    * Active defiance and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules
    * Deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people
    * Blaming others for his mistakes or misbehavior
    * What is often touchy or easily annoyed by others
    * The frequent anger and resentment
    * Mean and hateful talking when upset
    * Contemptuous attitude and seek revenge
Symptoms usually appear in multiple contexts, but may be more sensitive at home and at school. One to six percent of all school-age children and adolescents have ODD. The causes of ODD are unknown, but many parents report that their child with ODD was more rigid and demanding that the brothers and sisters of the child at an early age. Biological, psychological and social factors may have a role.
A child with ODD symptoms should have a full assessment. It is important to look for other disorders that may be present, such as the deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder) and anxiety disorders . It can be difficult to improve the symptoms of ODD without treating the coexisting disorder. Some children with ODD may continue to develop conduct disorder.
Treatment of ODD may include: Parent management training programs to help parents and others to manage the child's behavior. Individual psychotherapy to manage anger more effectively. Family psychotherapy to improve communication and mutual understanding. Cognitive Problem Solving Skills Training and therapies to assist in problem solving and decrease negativity. Social skills training to increase flexibility and improve social skills and frustration tolerance with peers.
Medications can be useful in controlling some of the most distressing symptoms and ODD symptoms related to coexisting conditions such as ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders.
A child with ODD can be very difficult for parents. These parents need support and understanding. Parents can help their child with ODD in the following manner:

    * Always build on the positives, in praise of children and positive reinforcement when he shows flexibility or cooperation.
    * Take a break or pause if you're about to make the conflict with your child worse, not better. This is good modeling for your child. Support your child if he decides to take a timeout to avoid overreacting.
    * Choose your battles. Since the child with ODD has trouble avoiding power struggles, prioritize the things you want your child to do. If you give your child a time out in his room for misbehavior, do not add time to discuss. Say "your time will start when you go into your room."
    * Set up reasonable, age appropriate limits with consequences that can be applied uniformly.
    * Maintain interests other than your child with ODD, so that managing your child does not take your time and energy. Try to work with and get support from other adults (teachers, coaches, and spouse) dealing with your child.
    * Manage your own stress with life choices like healthy exercise and relaxation. Use of respite and breaks as needed
Many children with ODD will respond to positive parenting techniques. Parents can ask their pediatrician or family doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist for children and adolescents or qualified mental health professional who can diagnose and treat ODD and any coexisting psychiatric condition.