| Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is regarded as a | | | | family therapy sessions with a counsellor which could |
| mental health disorder and often co-exists with ADHD | | | | be on the expensive side. |
| as the two are closely related. As regards ODD, | | | | What sort of things will you learn so that you can |
| nobody is quite sure what the cause is but certainly | | | | make life bearable again in your family? Bonding with |
| there may be a genetic link, a neurological or | | | | the child is important and the best way is to do some |
| biochemical component may also be contributing | | | | sporting activities and /or outdoor activities together. If |
| factors. Add to that the family's reaction to the | | | | there is an element of hyperactivity or just wanting to |
| condition together with the child's own personality and | | | | let off violent feelings, sports can be a great way of |
| the clinical picture becomes rather complicated to say | | | | doing that. Add to that the releasing of the feel good |
| the least. | | | | endorphins and you have a healthy outlet for pent up |
| Basically, parents should note that violent and defiant | | | | anger. |
| outbursts which normally happen to any child, may be | | | | Other options include remaining calm and avoiding |
| present rather often and persisting to the point that it | | | | situations which you know are likely to spark an |
| interferes with the child's development and is in marked | | | | outburst. Setting routines and eating together as a |
| contrast to other children's development, particularly | | | | family can also help. Regular schedules offer a |
| noted when comparing the child to his peers and | | | | structure and this is important for the parties involved. If |
| siblings. The parents will note that there is not only an | | | | you find your child wants to pick a fight with you the |
| alarming frequency to pick a fight with figures in | | | | moment you walk in the door, make sure that you |
| authority and parents always seem to be in the front | | | | establish an official winding down time so that both |
| line ! The child is angry, has frequent tantrums and is | | | | children and parents can begin to relax. |
| revengeful, argumentative and generally defiant. | | | | Behavioral therapy is the most important element in the |
| What are the options for parents when confronted | | | | treatment and medication is sometimes advised |
| with a child who has oppositional defiant disorder? | | | | although you will need to look carefully at these as |
| Certainly learning parenting skills is essential and | | | | there are some nasty side effects. Experts now tell us |
| especially as you are going to have to face opposition | | | | that the behavioral therapy program is by far the most |
| at every turn. That can usually be acquired by | | | | effective in dealing with oppositional defiant disorder. |
| following a behavioral modification course or attending | | | | |