Anyone Had Experience with Oppisitional Defiant Disorder ?

My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was about 6 yrs old. (he is now 20) He was diagnosed with ODD in 2006. Don't get me wrong, he is a great person and will do anything for anyone. But when it comes to listening at times, is another story. At times, he thinks "he is right" on whatever you can be talking about. If you mention to him that something would be easier done this way, or not done this way, its always the opposite thing with him. When he starts acting that way, I let him say what he wants then mention to him that things need to be done this way, not that way. Sometimes it works but times it doesnt. He does argue at times also.

He has been on medication most of his life. He has been treated basically like a guneia pig. "Try this med, try that med". A never ending thing. I have noticed with different meds he was on, different moods. he hasnt been on meds for a few months now, and he seems to be doing ok. But he still has a mind of his own. He has been told to ask before he wants to go anywhere so just in case of an emergency we will know where he's at. When he was on meds, he only asked maybe 10-20% of the time. Since he has been off of meds, it has gone up to about 80% about asking. (He now has a cell phone so we can keep track of him...but he still has to ask).

D.

I work with children with ODD and other mental/emotional/behavioral disorders. That therapist sounds like a schmuck!! I would seek another therapist immediately! Unfortunately there are therapists out there who just dont care much about the client. I went to one when I was 14 because of behavioral problems at home. In 30 minutes he told me and my family that the reason I was being difficult was because I wasnt getting enough protein!!! I couldnt believe it! I guess going through puberty and adolescence had nothing to do with it, lol.

Anyway, there is testing that the therapist can do or can make a referral to have it done. After several sessions with the therapist they will have a solid idea of what the general problems are and have a few possible diagnosis in mind. Then they can have testing done to determine what the problem really is whether it be something diagnosable, or something as simple as the stresses of growing up.

I have to agree with what crytal wrote. Sadly kids are put on medicine for behavioral issues and the medicine is simply masking the behavior problem. I would start by checking into the kids home life. There is a reason he is acting out. Are his parents divorced and he feels neglected? Does he have a parent that doesn't treat him well? There are lots of things that can happen in a childs life for them to act out on. I wish parents would change the childs lifestyle instead of medicating the poor kids.

My brother was diagnosed with ODD. In my research and experience I have found that some doctors embrace the idea of ODD being a real psychological problem and some ind it nothing more than a scape goat for the real problems. With my brother he was extremely violent, had a very big imagination, or told lies however you want to see it and stole alot of valuable things from alot of different people, along with distruction spurrs at random on just about anything etc. I look at him and I see a scared, emotionally neglected child who is a Klepto maniac and has some personality disorders, but the ODD thing I never bought into either. Its a rather new concept, only about 10 years old or so and with psychology being such a touchy subject, he brain not being fully understood I would try more unconvetional or alternative methods to dealing with a child who has been "diagnosed" with ODD.

My other point of view comes from being "diagnosed" with several things as a child and being put on well just about evey medication there is, I spent from age 3 until 17 in therapies of all kinds and it wasnt until I moved out on my own and was in control of my own life and settings that I learned to function without medication or doctors, and it turns out that though I am dealing with alot of disorders I am also dealing with longterm side effects of all the medications. I am a successful business woman, I have 3 kids, a nice house, a nice car, a fabulous husband of 3 sucesssful years etc... all the things the doctors swore Id never be able to have. And my biggest issues now are those long term side effects. I cant cry when I need to, most emotions are difficult for me to have at all , my sleep patterns are terrible, and Ive developed a social anxiety disorder. All this is the same as many of my friends who were treated by the same doctors and given the same medications. So be wary what may sound good for a child in need may not be medications.

Before you get an IEP you must see a medical professional. I am not sure where you are located but my son sees Dr. Constantino who is part of Washington University's school of medicine. I have been told he is the best psychiatrist in Saint Louis. My son has a mess of disorders including ODD and he was the only doctor to figure out the layers. Andy is now nine and has been seeing professionals since he was three. There are medications that can help. You need to ignore the, sorry but I must use this word, idiots that say don't medicate. I grew up with ADD and there is a huge benefit to medication. I get very angry at people that say don't medicate because they have never really been effected by these disorders nor have their children. What people don't realize is that these children don't like their behavior either but they are compelled to their actions. There is no conscious choice to be bad, they want to be good but can't manage it. They become depressed and social outcasts because they believe what most people tell them. They are told if they just control themselves like other kids they wouldn't have the problem. They are not like other kids, they are wired differently. Their levels of naturally occurring substances that control brain function are off. The medications regulate these levels.

Ok, I will step off my soap box.

I took an abnormal psych class and here are the diagnostic features of ODD:
must last for at least 6 months, and four or more of the following:
often lose temper
often argue with adults
often actively defy or refuse to comply with adults' requests or rules
often deliberately annoy others
often blame others for their mistakes or misbehavior
are easily annoyed by others
are often angry and resentful
are often spiteful or vindictive

I believe therapists are hesitant to diagnose children, especially so young, because once they are labeled they keep that label forever. Also, teachers will not, and cannot diagnose.

To give you a short answer, symptoms of ODD can be similar to symptoms of a mood disorder or ADHD.

I will quote some information from the DSM-IV which may help you or the mother better understand. "The essential feature of Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a recurrent pattern of negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior towards authority figures that persists for at least 6 months and is characterized by the frequent occurrence of at least four of the following behaviors: losing temper, arguing with adults, actively defying or refusing to comply with the requests or rules of adults, deliberately doing things that will annoy other people, blaming others for his or her own mistakes or misbehavior, being touchy or easily annoyed by others, being angry or resentful, or being spiteful or vindictive. ADHD-Hyperactivity, learning disorders and communication disorders also tend to be associated with ODD. ODD appears to be more common in families in which at least one parent has a history of a Mood Disorder, ODD, Conduct, ADHD, Antisocial Personality Disorder, or a Substance-Related Disorder. In addition, some studies suggest that mothers with a Depressive Disorder are more likely to have children with oppositional behavior, but it is unclear to what extent maternal depression results from or causes oppositional behavior in children. ODD is more common in families in which there is serious marital discord."

Now in relevance to school, the mother needs to write a letter to the school requesting that her child be evaluated for special education. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) can help provided behavior modifications and qualify him for other school resources and services. The IEP can provide a legal support to prevent him from being expelled for behaviors (not all though). A knowledgeable school social worker can provide insight into the state/federal laws surrounding children on IEP's and how the school is allowed to discipline the children for their negative behaviors.

My suggestion is see another therapist. People should view therapists in the same way they view doctors. If a doctor dismisses your concerns or you feel that the doctor is not taking you seriously, you would switch doctors, right? That should be the same for therapists. I would also look for a family therapist who specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy.

This would be my first steps. I hope this helps.

I work with children with mental health disorders as a community social worker. A lot of other people have already posted some wonderful advice. My recommendation would be 1.) Find a child psychiatrist who can asses your child. Be sure to ask the psychiatrist what their diagnosis for your child is and why your child meets this criteria. Other bloggers make a good point that you do not want to start labeling children at a young age. But you should know if your child meets any criteria for a diagnosis so you will know what direction to go for help. A good assessment should take a few hour long visits and a detailed family history. Sometimes medication is part of treating children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) but that is a choice you should make with your child and child psychiatrist 2.) If your child is diagnosed ODD you will want to request an IEP with his school. All you have to do is write a letter to the principal stating you want your child to be evaluated for an IEP. Make sure you let the school staff know that you want behavioral interventions to be part of the IEP. 3.) If your child is diagnosed ODD, be sure to participate in regular family therapy sessions. Children with ODD usually do not feel secure about their relationship with their parents. This is not a mark against your family or parenting, but is a sign of a child who may be more emotionally sensitive and may need more reassurance. A good family therapist can help a child address these concerns.
4.) Try to get as much support and assistance as possible- from family, professionals, etc. Living with an ODD child can be very trying at times. Please be sure to take care of yourself so you can deal with any challenges your child may present.
I hope this advice is helpful. Good luck!

Has she taken it up with the pediatrician she may be able to refer him out to someone who can help and get an accurate diagnoses for this child.Has anything happened to this child in a bad way?Has he been abused not by his caregiver (mom) but by anyone else to make him actout?I would perasonally sit down with the teacher and get a clear picture on what he is doing at school and ask for assistance,then call the pediatrician.Starting off to a bad start in school so early at this point try to nip it in the bud. I hope you as a friend of this childs mom can help her and coach her into gettting help.

If your friends son is having problems in first grade that are significant, his mom can ask for a Special Education evaluation from the school. Better to help him early, rather than go through school miserable. Working in Special Education myself, there are many causes for this kind of behavior. I am sure that your friend needs to talk with someone who has lived with this. I have lived with this, not just at school, - but my own son had this kind of difficulty. give her my email, if she wants to talk. I have a free consultation perk for mamasource people. autismsocialsteps.com. tell her to go to the "ask a question" page and write me. Then I can give her a call. Sincerely, G.

As a 6th grade teacher I can tell you that this problem does not solve itself nor does it get better by ignoring it. Suggest to your friend that they find a new therapist who is willing to take the time to find the proper medication and behavior modifications needed to help this child cope with his disability.

Sounds like you need to find a good phychiatrist to make the diagnosis. They will give the parents and teacher a questionaire to fill out and along with their observations make a diagnosis. ODD is usally attached with another disorder so I would for sure see someone if the child has the symptoms. Not a therapist though, a phychiatrist. They would be the only one able to prescribe medicine if needed and probably would end up being sent there anyway. You could also see if the school has resources for testing. Most have psychologists that at least visit the school from time to time. The teacher may be glad to know that you acknowlege a problem and work with the parent to find a resolution. ANd, if the next doc dismisses the issues, go to another one!

Cari:

ODD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a diagnosed disorder. It is a pattern of angry, definat behavior (which includes losing temper, arguing, deliberately annoys others, does not take responsibility..). They also have a significant impairment in social/school/job settings and appear angry/resentful most of the time. I (as a therapist) agree that violence on TV is not healthy for "any child". But this should have never been dismissed. She needs to find another therapist, to assess if it is true ODD and get help for her child!

A Lande
www.kids-incorporated.com

While I do not have a child w/ODD, I DO have a 17yo daughter w/ADHD who was not diagnosed until Jr. High. Unfortunately she is gifted w/a genius IQ, which delayed my notice of problems. The way we found out was when she was being diagnosed & treated for depression. Please urge your friend to go see another therapist. I would highly question anyone who met w/her son once & dismissing him w/too much video game viewing. While I agree watching violence is not a good thing, I don't think it is a substitute for a good diagnosis. Again, try to urge her to go for her sons sake. If I had only known re: my daughters ADHD, medication & ADHD coaching, I could have prevented a terrible episode of depression. Also, I am a woman w/ADHD who was NOT diagnosed until I was 30 & let me tell you, it was the best thing to find out & treat it! While I was getting by w/a home & successful career, there were so MANY things that have improved w/medication. For example, I can SLEEP when I take Adderall. W/o medication & therapy it is like having a physical disability w/o the benefit of a wheelchair or crutches. No one would deny a person w/physical disabilities help, so urge your friend that it's ok to find out what he might have. It can only help to take him & only hurt him to not. Even if he does not have ODD, he IS having problems in school. My own sister has a son that is exhibiting EVERY sign for ADHD & yet is hesitant to have him tested for fear of labeling him!? Would you not test your child for diabities b/c you don't want him labeled w/a disease? How sad that a parents ego can get in the way of proper medical care. Good for you for trying to help your friends son. While there is a better understanding of psychological issues in our country, there is much education still needed to confront the ignorance remaining in society. But, we are slowly increasing awareness. Good luck w/your discussion & good for you for caring enough to do it!

My son-in-law's grandmother is raising her grandaughter who has this disorder. It's really rough for an older person to deal with, and she only recently got the diagnosis. The grandmother had to put her in a facility for some intensive therapy because she was becoming violent. She's early teens now.
If your friend doesn't intervene soon this can apparently get out of hand. Please suggest to her to go to a different therapist, everyone is entitled to second opinions and just accepting the first one when it's not helping isn't in her childs best interest. Be sure to let her know that you applaud her for seeking help for her child, let her know you support her because people seem to feel guilty about getting psychological and behavioral treatment for themselves and for their kids.

We adopted a boy with ODD. When he was finally diagnoised and I was given a list of symptoms it was an AHA! moment.
He was 11 when we adopted and I wish we had found that out when we got him.

I would encourage her to get help as soon as possible. It may take some searching to get the right kind of help. Also if she could read everything she can get her hands on, it would help her to understand the condition. I feel for her.

Your friend should request that the school have him tested so a IEP can be delevoped. I'm in USD 383 and I know they work well with ODD kids. That way he is on a path to help before he gets older.

Good luck,
D.