Oppositional Defiant Behavior In Children: What To Do?
Do you know what the oppositional defiant behavior is in children? Maybe you have never heard of this term or you are just looking for information about this behavior disorder. Because you want to know if your child is affected by this problem.
Have you heard of the so-called oppositional defiant behavior in children? Maybe you don’t know about it, or you are in the process of looking for information about it. Because you want to find out whether your child may be affected by this behavior disorder. You can learn more about it in this article. We’ll tell you what exactly this is and also how you should deal with this problem.
The oppositional defiant disorder ( ODD, after its name in English: defiant disorder Oppositional ) is usually diagnosed in childhood. As the name suggests: It is characterized by very negative and challenging or rebellious behaviors. The child is uncooperative and irritable. It also gets annoying quickly. This anger is primarily directed at the people in his immediate vicinity: So his parents, classmates, teachers and so on.
Disorder with oppositional defiant behavior: is my child affected?
This behavior disorder occurs in 1–16% of school-age children. It affects more boys than girls. However, it is important to differentiate between the following: namely, whether the symptoms are actually worrying or whether they are only temporary. For example, when the child is hungry, or tired and exhausted.
Because it is normal for children between the ages of 2 and 3 years to show such behavior for a short time. A serious problem only arises when this challenging and defiant attitude is repeated more and more frequently. And also if the learning process, teaching or relationships with classmates are affected by this defiant behavior.
Common symptoms
The most common symptoms of oppositional defiant behavior in children are as follows:
- You have frequent and easy temper tantrums.
- In addition, they constantly argue with the people around them.
- They also refuse to obey the rules of adults or they defy instructions.
- It also happens that they deliberately annoy others. At the same time, they are easily irritable and they can easily be annoyed by others.
- Often times, they express themselves in cold and disrespectful ways.
- In addition, the affected children tend to be vengeful and resentful.
What to do in case of oppositional defiant behavior in children?
1. The correct diagnosis
First of all, a correct diagnosis is important. Because the symptoms of oppositional defiant behavior can also be confused with other behavioral disorders. So if these symptoms are really repeated you should see a doctor. Because only this can make a correct diagnosis. In this way you can then talk about how to proceed.
In most cases, it is the parents and teachers who recognize this behavioral disorder in the children. However, it is essential that a child psychiatrist or psychotherapist examine the child and make a diagnosis based on their history and some specific tests.
2. Therapeutic treatment
At the therapeutic level there are different possible approaches. First, the child can attend psychotherapy on an individual basis. Here, one often uses cognitive behavioral therapy. Because in this way one would like to achieve to improve the social and interpersonal skills of the child and also to achieve better control of impulses and feelings.
In addition, one more thing is important: the whole family, especially the parents, should be included in the therapy. Because family therapy can promote communication and lead to better conflict resolution. It also provides emotional and practical support for parents. Because they are often overwhelmed by the situation.
On the other hand, family therapy also tries to track down the causes of this disease and then find a solution. Nowadays it is assumed that the cause of this disorder is usually this: The problem is a certain behavior pattern that the child learns from the caregiver in the first few years of life. But other factors can also play a role. For example, lack of discipline can have something to do with it, as well as abuse or traumatic and stressful experiences. Also a lack of harmony in the family.
3. Drug treatment
Medication is not necessarily the common treatment for oppositional defiant behavior in children. Because they can also have health side effects. However, in some cases the doctor may consider treatment with antipsychotics.
This occurs especially if the child shows aggressive behavior or a significant deterioration occurs; even if no other therapy attempts have led to a result, or there is a risk that the child will no longer be able to stay with their family or at school.
Sometimes this condition can be associated with other behavioral problems. Then the doctor can prescribe other types of medication as well. These include, for example, stimulants for ADHD, or antidepressants if the child suffers from phases of depression and anxiety. The aim is to improve the child’s quality of life. But the side effects of the medication should always be taken into account.
Finally, let me say this: It is very important that both the child and his family and friends must make a great effort. It takes a lot of patience and also a lot of love and affection. This type of mental disorder is a huge burden for everyone involved. Everyone suffers and feels desperate. There is also a constant feeling of helplessness. But let me tell you: with the right treatment and a positive attitude, this disease can be overcome.
