Oppositional Defiant Disorder Therapy
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is characterized by children who are refusing to comply with directions, constantly arguing with adults, deliberately annoying people and frequently blaming others. In addition, children with ODD can be spiteful, vindictive, angry and resentful, and act as if all adults are the enemy. There can be a consistent display of anger and frequent temper tantrums. Children with ODD have significant conduct problems and are often in trouble at home and at school due to these difficult behavioral patterns.
-
The Therapeutic Relationship
-
Building rapport in a relationship with a counselor is a significant step for children with ODD. Therapeutic interventions will be difficult to utilize unless the ODD child has some trust established with the therapist. Therapists can help the process by providing consistent eye contact, acceptance and encouragement to the child to identify and express feelings appropriately.
Processing Feelings
-
Educating ODD children on how to accurately identify feelings will help them become more aware of their own experience. Talking about negative and hostile emotions and discussing how these feelings are associated with defiant behavior is the first step in solving the problem. Once feelings are acknowledged, the therapist can help the child in interpreting and reframing negative emotions in a more positive light.
Anger Management
-
Teaching children anger management techniques in therapy may assist in managing oppositional and defiant behavior that is common with ODD. Identifying triggers to anger, becoming aware of how the body responds when angry and learning relaxation techniques are all anger management skills that can be taught to ODD children. The skills can be put into practice by modeling or role playing in sessions.
Behavioral Modification
-
Modifying behavior can be done with the use of interventions (such as a sticker chart) that demonstrate the links between behavior and consequences. Effective behavioral modification systems reward desired behavior. Verbal praise for positive behavior can be equally effective. Expectations for desired behavior need to be detailed and relatively easy to achieve. The adults who give rewards and consequences have to be consistent in order for these systems to work. Engaging parents and children together in family therapy can help set clear rules, limits and boundaries that will set the stage for an effective behavioral modification system.
Medications
-
Using medications to treat oppositional behavior may be part of a therapeutic treatment plan. Medications may help to improve impulse control, calm anger or anxiety and enhance attention. Stimulants (methylphenidate, dextro-amphetamine), antidepressants (fluoxetine, sertaline), alpha-blockers (clonidine, guanfacine) or anti-anxiety medications (diphenhydramine, buspirone) can be useful. Combining different types of medications can increase the positive outcome of treatment. Talking with a pediatrician or psychiatrist can help you understand the risks and benefits associated with the use of medications for your child.
-
-
With the growing popularity of new and improved tech devices, screen time in all forms continues to increase. While challenging, it is important to control the time your preschooler spends in front of a screen to ensure she spends quality time with o
-
Yes, children can regress in their development of skills, though its important to understand the nuances. Regression can happen for various reasons:* Stressful Life Events: Major life changes like moving, the birth of a sibling, or family issues can
-
Every child has a silly side, but sometimes the silliness might seem excessive or unwarranted. Though our instincts as adults might be to punish or scold children for being excessively silly, trying to determine the reason behind this extreme behavio
