What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
ODD is a psychiatric disorder affecting behavior. Three characteristics of the child who has ODD are: aggression, defiance and the constant need to irritate others. When documenting the child's behavior; characteristics or behavior patterns should be in place for at least 6 months. The behaviors will have a negative impact on social and academic functioning. It is important to look for the following characteristics:
* The child often loses his/her temper
* The child is defiant and doesn't obey rules/routines
* The child argues often with adults and peers
* The child seems to go out of his/her way to annoy others in very bothersome ways
* The child is often lacking accountability and blames others for inappropriate behaviors
* The child often seems angry, spiteful and vindictive
* The child is often prone to tantrums and will be non-compliant
It is important to exercise caution when reading lists of characteristics, remember that most children will exhibit many of the characteristics listed, key to determining ODD is the frequency of the characteristics.
How is ODD diagnosed?
Psychiatric disorders are diagnosed by a review of medical history, ruling out other disorders, medical tests and ongoing observation.
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Good documentation from both parents and teachers over a period of time about the child's behavior are critical for the practitioner. Although there's no clearly understood cause, it is believed to be a combination of genetics, environment, and/or medical problems. The onset of the pattern of behaviors often starts early from toddler/pre-school ages and is believed to effect both females and males. Some children will have both ODD and ADD, however, a child with just ODD does have the ability to sit still which isn't the case with the child with ADD or ADHD.
How is ODD Treated?
There are relatively few studies done on the effective treatment for ODD. There is no one way to treat cases of ODD. Sometimes, medication is used to treat some of the symptoms, sometimes psycho therapy and or family therapy is used but more often than anything else, behavior modification is used. The earlier a form of consistent treatment is in place, the greater chance of success. See best practices below for some tips.
Best Practices
The best way to treat a child with ODD in and out of the classroom include behavior management techniques, using a consistent approach to discipline and following through with positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors. Be fair but be firm, give respect to get respect.
