Oppositional Behavior Disorder In Children

Oppositional behavioral disorders in children (ODD) are usually diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by very negative and challenging behavior, as the name suggests.

The child is consistently uncooperative, irritable and annoying  to the people around him, be it their parents, classmates, teachers or even peers.

If you think your child may be suffering from this disorder, or has already been diagnosed with it, read on here. In this article, you will learn more about it in detail and what steps you can take to deal with it.

Does my child suffer from oppositional behavior disorder?

This behavioral disorder affects a percentage of  between 1 and 16% of school-age children, and more boys than girls. 

However, it is important to differentiate between when the symptoms occur disturbingly and temporarily, for example when the child is hungry, sleepy, stressed or exhausted.

This can also be common when the child is between 2 and 3 years old together and it is part of their transition stage. However, it is very important to be aware of this behavior when the oppositional and defiant attitudes are frequent.

It  only requires treatment if it impedes the learning process or disrupts teaching or relationships with peers.

Common symptoms of oppositional behavior disorder in children

The most common symptoms of oppositional behavior disorder in children are the following:

• Outbursts of rage and anger.
• Constant discussions  with the people around him.
• To deny or question what adults are asking them to do.
• Annoying attitude towards others and sensitivity when others annoy the person.
• Cold and disrespectful language.
• Revengeful attitude.

What steps can I take to treat oppositional behavior disorder in children?

1. Get the right diagnosis

First, it is easy to confuse the symptoms of ODD with other behavioral disorders. Therefore, if these attitudes are frequent,  you and your child should see a doctor. This proper medical professional will be able to provide an appropriate diagnosis. You can then start thinking about the next steps and the treatment.

In most cases, parents and teachers can detect these traits in children. However, a child psychiatrist or mental health professional must evaluate the children through their medical and social history and specific tests.

2. Try a therapy-based treatment

There are many treatments available. First, the child can go to individual psychotherapy sessions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used to improve their social and interpersonal skills  as well as to help them better control their impulses and emotions.

It is also  important to include the whole family in the therapy,  especially the parents. Family therapy can promote good communication and conflict resolution. It can also be a source of emotional and practical support for parents who are often overwhelmed by the situation.

On the other hand,  family therapy also aims to treat this disorder by starting at the root of the problem. Regarding the origin of this psychological imbalance, research at present points to patterns of behavior learned in the first few years from individuals that children look up to.

It is often related to lack of discipline, abuse, traumatic and stressful situations or lack of harmony in the family, among other factors. It is important to keep this in mind as a parent and know that there are many ways to help.

3. Only resort to medication as the last resort or to treat other coexisting disorders

Medication  is not a common treatment for oppositional behavior disorder in children, as it can have harmful side effects on health. In some cases, however, the doctor will make an assessment and decide on treatment with antipsychotic medication.

This is especially the case  if the child shows aggressive behavior, the behavior becomes significantly worse or no other therapeutic options seem to work. Medication can, in addition, be given if the child becomes a danger or threat in the home or school.

In some cases, if the disorder is accompanied by other behavioral problems, other types of medication may be prescribed. For example, the doctor may give the child stimulants if he or she suffers from ADHD, or antidepressant medication for periods of depression and / or anxiety.

The primary goal is to improve the quality of life for the child,  but it is very important to always take the side effects of the medicine into consideration as well.

Oppositional Disorder in Children: Conclusion

Lastly, both the child and his or her family members will need to make a great effort and make lifestyle changes in order to heal. These types of mental disorders cause great pain and despair for all the surroundings, as well as a constant feeling of helplessness.

However, with the right treatment and a positive attitude in both the whole family and the education system, this disorder can be overcome.