A common behavioral disorder in children, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects the patient's attention and impulse control, according to the National Institutes of Health. Some ADHD patients may have another behavioral disorder, oppositional behavior disorder, also called "oppositional defiant disorder." A patient with oppositional defiant disorder disobeys adults, has anger problems and often has trouble making friends.
Medications
The National Institutes of Health notes that medication helps patients who have both ADHD and oppositional behavior disorder. Stimulant drugs are the primary medication for ADHD, which work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain, causing a relaxing effect that reduces symptoms. Examples of medications include: lisdexamfetamine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate and amphetamine-dextroamphetamine. While medications reduce the symptoms of the disorders, they do not cure them.
Therapies
Different types of therapies can help with the symptoms of both ADHD and oppositional behavior disorder. One option is parent-child interaction therapy, in which a therapist guides a parent through strategies to work with the child and improve his behavior. During the therapy session, the therapist sits behind a one-way mirror and directs the parent using an earbud, according to the Mayo Clinic. The parent-child interaction therapy encourages positive behavior in the child. Another option is individual therapy, which helps the patient manage his anger. With family counseling, the therapist works with the entire family to increase communication. Family counseling can also help the other family members deal with the patient's symptoms. The therapist may use cognitive problem-solving training, which identifies and changes the behavioral problems that lead to the aggressive issues.
Parent Training
One treatment that helps with both ADHD and oppositional behavior disorder is parent training. The Mayo Clinic notes that parents learn ways to deal effectively with the patient's symptoms. For example, the parents will learn ways to reinforce positive behaviors and discourage negative behaviors, such as through a rewards system. This type of treatment also helps the parents with any problem they may be dealing with as a result of the child's problems, such as depression. As the child gets older, she can use the strategies her parents taught her from the training to manage her symptoms. For example, the patient can set a goal for herself when she completes a task, which encourages her to follow through with her plan.
