What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder or ODD?

It’s a condition characterized by:

Angry / Irritable mood

• Often loses temper
• Often touchy or easily annoyed
• Often angry and resentful
• Often argues with authority

Argumentative / Defiant Behavior

• Often argues with authority figures
• Often actively defies or refuses to comply with requests from authority figures
• Deliberately annoys others
• Blames others for his/her mistakes

Vindictiveness

Spiteful or vindictive toward others

How do you (the parents) positively influence this ODD condition?

• Stay connected with your child to have an impact on the oppositional response
• Take time and pause or breath in the middle of a difficult interaction (keep rational and balanced)
• Routine and structure help map out a consistent daily schedule. Clear expectations reduce conflict
• Set clear limits and rules (create reasonable consequences for breaking these limits)
• Avoid power struggles (Focus on minimizing struggles, drama, and conflict)
• Recognition and praise (specific praise is helpful in conditioning an expected behavior)

What can be done to therapeutically address this ODD thing?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (teaches problem-solving, better communication, reduce reactivity)

Peer Group Therapy (teaches effective connections, interpersonal skills, and authenticity)

Adventure Therapy (Teens build mastery and self esteem as they overcome challenges)

Expressive Art Therapy (The artistic self-expression allows the teen to deal with difficult issues)