Understand what oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is.

Know the causes, symptoms and treatment of the problem

ODD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an independent diagnosis, but is often studied together with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorder (CD). The main characteristic of ODD is that it is included in Disruptive Disorders, in which the child presents a pattern of negative, defiant, disobedient and hostile behavior, all with intensity, frequency and duration greater than expected for his age and, in in some cases, lack of emotional control which can lead to aggression and episodes of verbal and physical violence.

Causes of ODD

The cause of ALL is still unknown, but researchers have identified several lines of approach, a current study suggests that prenatal exposure to alcohol, nicotine and other teratogens increases the child’s chances of having the problem, and many parents of children with PDOs suffer from emotional disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Symptoms of the disorder

The symptoms are generally classified as tantrums, but the issue is much more complex. The first signs usually appear during the preschool years and, rarely, later, after early adolescence. It is a comorbidity with onset and continuous course.

ODD often precedes the development of CT, but in small amounts may also precede anxiety and major depressive disorders and, in those classified as angry/irritable mood symptoms, account for the majority of risks for emotional disorders. Some of the signs include:

• Angry/irritable mood;
• He often loses his temper;
• Is sensitive or easily disturbed;
• He has anger and resentment frequently;
• Displays questioning/challenging behavior;
• Often questions authority figures or, in the case of children and adolescents, adults;
• Deliberately annoys other people;
• Blames others for their mistakes or bad behavior.

Classification of ODD subtypes

Efforts are currently being made to distinguish the two subtypes and their sizes, which researchers from the University of Calgaria (Canada) have been working on, who report that there are two subtypes:

• Symptom of Negative Affect (ODDNA) – Sensitive, angry, spiteful, and/or vindictive;
• Oppositional Behavior Symptom (ODDB) – Argumentative, provocative, intolerant.

The child instinctively uses crying to get what he wants, and as he grows he modulates this behavior, using communication to implement his requests. Up to the age of three, this behavior intensifies as the results achieved and the child begin to request attention by shouting, crying and throwing themselves on the floor, but if directed they are able to adapt to the parents’ wishes, these attitudes tend to disappear until the age of 4 and a half, being a neurotypical child.

A child with ODD acts this way not only in the family environment, but it begins to extend to social life as well. By the time you reach age 5, it’s usually here behavior becomes more worrying for parents, since during this period about 60% of those responsible for children with ODD are not able to control the seizures and one of the first problems to eliminate are not the symptoms, but social interaction, since adults they stop going to public places, parties, meetings and activities, fearing that the child will have a crisis.

TOD levels

• Light: symptoms are limited to one environment (at home, at school, at work, or with colleagues);
• Moderate: some symptoms are present in at least two environments;
• Serious: some symptoms are present in three or more environments.

Ways to treat the disorder

Oppositional Challenging Disorder, when isolated, is treated with specific psychological therapy for behavioral modeling, including cognitive behavioral behavior, and parent training together so that all procedures used in the therapies are reinforced at home. ODD does not provide a specific cure, but rather a significant reduction of symptoms, giving the child/young person the opportunity to self-regulate.

When the child presents the disorder as a concomitant comorbidity with ADHD, it is necessary to introduce medications to control ADHD-related symptoms and minimize the related effects of the disorders.

In some cases it is also necessary to adhere to a pharmacological treatment in combination therapeutic treatment as a way to reduce, make the treatment effective and safe. From this point of view, reducing and/or eliminating the symptoms of aggression and other destructive behaviors is extremely important.

There are still no studies that actually demonstrate the real effectiveness of the drugs, but rather the reduction of symptoms. Taking into account each case, analyzing adverse effects, changing dosages and monitoring the process, it is possible to find the most suitable drug.

Ways to help people with ODD

It may seem very difficult at first to address the behaviors and symptoms of ODD, especially at the beginning of school activities, but if everyone prepares, there are several possibilities for achieving success.

Understanding behavior

• Identify the symptoms of ODD;
• Always talk to the child about his reactions;
• Recognize the need to maintain control;
• Teach positive ways to deal with frustration.

Adapt and initiate parenting techniques.

• Learn to communicate clearly and efficiently;
• Don’t react with anger;
• Don’t blame the child/teen or see him or her as a problem in your life;
• Take responsibility for your own own feelings and attitudes, become an example;
• Be consistent, no, the rules and limits must be clear and respect the only acceptable behaviors;
• Adapt your thoughts, since they are the ones who will control your reactions, replace the negative ones with positive ones, see that the child/young person needs help and you are the reference;
• Identify both family and environmental stressors;
• Help identify emotions, both yours and your child’s, don’t try to be strong all the time;
• Always make clear the importance of respect and limits;
• Start treatment as soon as possible, studies show that 67% of children with ODD become asymptomatic within 3 years if they start the correct treatment;
• Treat other mental health problems, investigate whether there are other comorbidities besides ODD;
• Participate in lessons, programs and training activities;
• Join support groups;
• If necessary, do not be reluctant to start drug treatment.

*By Emanoele Freitas

Neuroscientist specialized in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Psychopathology. Among the books published is “Neurodevelopmental Disorders – Knowledge, planning and inclusion” (Wak Editora).

Source: Terra

Ben

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.