Children with ODD need to learn to take responsibility for their behavior and not use their diagnosis or disability as an excuse for inappropriate behavior. They need help learning how to:
· Set limits
· Curb sibling fighting
· Stop defiance, back-talking, lying and cursing
· Defuse explosive outbursts and uncontrolled anger
· Stay on task
· Do homework and chores
· Effective problem solving techniques
If their "acting out" has carried on for a long period of time and goes against what is socially acceptable, then your teen probably has a behavioral disorder. If your teen is self-destructive and adversely affects your family, then his or her behavior is clearly a problem.
Symptoms of ODD include the following behaviors:
· losing their temper
· arguing
· defying authority
· refusing adult requests or rules
· deliberately annoying others
· blaming others for their own mistakes or misbehavior
· being touchy or easily annoyed
· being angry and resentful
· being spiteful or vindictive
· swearing or using bad language
· moody and easily frustrated
· truancy from school (dropped out or expelled)
· increased involvement with, and loyalty to, delinquent peer groups
· greater isolation from other peers, family members
· stealing, shoplifting, running away, alcohol and/or drug abuse, sexual promiscuity
· problems with low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and/or depression
The causes of ODD are unknown, but many parents report that their ODD child was more rigid and demanding than the child's siblings from an early age. The symptoms are usually seen in multiple settings, but may be more noticeable at home or at school. Five to fifteen percent of all school-age children have ODD. Biological and environmental factors may have a role.
Oppositional defiant disorder appears to be more common in families where at least one parent has a history of a mood disorder, conduct disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or a substance-related disorder.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder does not occur alone:
· 50-65 of these children develop some form of affective disorder
· 20 develop some form of personality disorder
· Many of these children have learning disorders
Teens with ODD plus ADHD are much more difficult to live with. Their destructive and disagreeable behavior is purposeful. They like to push their parents anger-buttons. Every request ends up as a power struggle. Lying becomes a daily habit. Getting a reaction out of others is amusing to them. They are rarely sorry for the hurtful things they say and do. And they believe nothing is their fault.
Parenting strategies often include a home rules contract (i.e., a written set of expectations that parents have of their teens and preteens). The contract includes basic rules, consequences and privileges.
The primary purpose of a home rules contract is for teens to be held accountable for their behavior while allowing parents to maintain a reasonable amount of control (i.e., teaching teens that there are consequences for breaking rules, the knowledge of which hopefully will transfer in the teen's mind to school rules as well as the legal system).
» left by Terry from Florida (2 years 59 days ago.)
It is enormously helpful to have this analytical paradigm within which to understand the problem, which is exhausting and baffling to a parent trying to restore order in a home with an ODD child.
Any suggestions on how to persuade a sixteen year old boy to participate in family counseling? I'm at wit's end. Respond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (1 year 120 days ago.)
disorder at the age of 8 and given the same diagnosis late last year with ODD and ADHD My daughter was first diagnosed with conduct added to it- 5 years later. A few months ago she had me charged for '' bashing her'', the law was all on her side because she is a minor so I was guilty no matter what! Nothing I said mattered!
One of the hardest things for me has been the attitude of others eg teachers ,G.P etc. They dont show empathy or understanding towards me as a parent. I ve always loved my daughter, been a caring and consistent mother and set boundaries.
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