Oppositional Defiant Disorder Diagnosis

Uncooperative, defiant behavior is a normal part of everyday life with children. Sometimes it relates to a developmental stage; other times your child has a bad day or is unusually moody. But some children demonstrate an ongoing, persistent pattern of angry and hostile behavior. In this case a mental health professional may diagnose oppositional defiant disorder.

Definition

• "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" states that in addition to a pattern of negativistic, hostile and defiant behavior that must be evident for at least six months. your child must present four or more specific behaviors to meet the diagnosis of ODD. Perhaps he often loses his temper, argues with or actively defies adults, or ignores rules. He may deliberately annoy people or be overly touchy, angry and resentful. Or he may blame others for his own mistakes, act spiteful or vindictive.

Diagnosis--Parents

• First realize that you are not dealing with typical misbehavior. Watch for any four of the behaviors listed above to be present for at least six months. Notice whether the behaviors occur more frequently than in other children of the same age and developmental stage.

  Start keeping a record. Jot down notes on a calendar, recording the behavior, its duration, and the circumstances that seemed to trigger it. If your child's behavior does not improve in six months, it is time to seek professional advice.

Diagnosis--Medical

• Rule out an underlying physical problem with a visit to your family physician. To get an accurate diagnosis of ODD, you will need to consult an experienced mental health professional. In addition to screening for ODD, she will also look for other disorders that may be present such as ADHD, learning disabilities, mood (depression, bipolar disorder) and anxiety disorders.

Treatment

• The sooner ODD is diagnosed and treated, the less time will have been spent in negative, unproductive interaction. Any underlying issues must be treated and appropriate medications for those may be prescribed, but there aren't any medications specifically for ODD.

  Successful treatment for ODD depends on parent training, individual therapy, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and possibly social skills training.

  As a parent, you'll learn to manage the difficult behavior, to build on strengths, and to use the most effective methods of discipline. Individual therapy will help your child understand and manage his own behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches him to recognize misperceptions, negative thoughts and self-defeating behaviors, and provides new coping skills.

  Since ODD impacts the entire family, including everyone in family therapy sessions helps to heal wounds and helps you all learn how to deal with hurtful behavior.

Factors

• Depending on the child's age, the severity of the symptoms, and coexisting disorders, treatment is a long, hard process and will take months and possibly years. Every family member must commit to the treatment.

  Keep in mind that ODD is especially vulnerable to stigma. Be prepared for some people to express judgments about your lack of discipline or your "spoiled child." Stand firm knowing that you are facing unusually difficult behavior that requires professional support and fresh perspectives to remediate.