The neurologist doctor explains how to identify and differentiate these two types of disorders
If you are a father, mother, teacher, or if you were just walking through the mall and you saw that child calling for attention, as if he was disobeying or being aggressive to the parents or anyone around, perhaps you have seen an example of a child with probable Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). However, this ailment is not that simple to identify.
More signs are needed to confirm whether or not a child has this type of disorder. Furthermore, these same behaviors may either be “age-related tantrums” or practiced by children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Therefore, the child neurologist Marcone Oliveira, a specialist in neurodevelopmental disorders, especially ADHD, and a consultant for parents, explains what the main characteristics of TOD and ADHD are and how to identify each one. Watch!
What is TOD?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is characterized by disobedient behavior that defies rules, authority figures, and symbols, such as father, mother, and teachers. In adulthood, this behavior, if left untreated, can get worse.
While the cause is unknown, experts and studies point out that there is most likely a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Symptoms usually appear before child I’m eight years old.
TOD is not a tantrum
You need to understand that TOD is not a “deer” (a common behavior in children that naturally passes with age). Conversely, Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a behavior that makes the child always irritable and, many times, for no reason. While treatment is helpful, ODD is chronic and can last for years or a lifetime.
“Very often, I see lost parents who don’t know if their children really have ADHD or ODD. These characteristics can help differentiate one from the other. The child with ODD gets angry more easily, is vengeful, can’t tolerate the feeling of frustration, as well as having a defiant behavior,” explains the child neurologist.
Strange symptoms
- Frequent outbursts of anger, sometimes for no reason;
- Does not assume his own mistakes and blames others;
- Challenge and resist older people and authority figures;
- Doesn’t obey the rules;
- Show attitudes and behaviors just to annoy others.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is also chronic and usually begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. When the child does not go through a adequate treatment, will have problems in academic development. In later life, you may have problematic relationships, poor performance in higher education, work, and social life.
“The child with ADHD is impulsive and has difficulty paying attention, but may also have hyperfocus, as well as having difficulty controlling movements and actions. Of course, for the correct diagnosis, you will need specialized medical advice, but knowing the signs and symptoms can already be of great help,” explains Dr. Marcone Oliveira.
Symptoms of ADHD
- Lack of attention;
- Hyperactivity and impulsivity.
The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is made clinically and by a physician who specializes in ADHD. “Although it does not enter the list of diagnostic criteria, lability emotional it is a characteristic of the child with ADHD. This emotional disturbance appears in other disorders and, therefore, is not considered in the diagnosis. Children with ADHD have a very low frustration threshold, which is why they get irritated very easily,” warns Dr. Marcone Oliveira.
By Marcella Melo
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
