Oppositional defiant disorder is a mental health condition in which a school-aged child exhibits negative behaviors to parents and other authority figures. The condition is diagnosed when a child behaves disobediently for six months or more; this disobedience must prove much greater than that found normally in his age group. Arguing, fighting, excessive anger, temper tantrums and vindictiveness are common symptoms. Parents can help their child by adopting healthy strategies to deal with this disorder.
Seek Professional Guidance
A child suspected of having oppositional defiant disorder should have a physical examination and a psychological work-up to determine if any other conditions are present. Children with ODD may also have anxiety disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Occasionally, they develop a substance abuse disorder, possibly as a coping mechanism for the ODD. A psychiatrist can determine if the child needs medication and he, or another mental health professional, may establish a treatment plan that involves counseling or behavior modification. Mayo Clinic explains that parents may need special training to help the child minimize his symptoms.
Use Positive Parenting
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry explains that parents should set realistic expectations for their child and give positive reinforcements for improvement in behavior. Appropriate reinforcements include praise and encouragement for working toward goals, such as room cleaning or homework completion. It is important to remember that progress may come in small increments: a child who never attempts his homework exhibits improvement when he completes half of his assignments. Rules and consequences should be fully explained ahead of time. Parents should allow the child should to verbalize his feelings about any issue; this helps prevent passive-aggressive or vindictive behavior. The parent must avoid becoming emotional about the child's actions; yelling or threatening is counterproductive. It proves better to model calm, rational behavior.
Get Support
The parent of a child with oppositional defiant disorder often needs several kinds of support. She may need assistance in the home setting to spot manipulative behavior in her child because allowing these behaviors to continue can prove harmful to the child's relationships and psychological development. She may need support in enforcing rules. Often, parents find emotional support in the form of support groups of parents dealing with similar issues. Speaking with a good friend can help with keeping things in perspective. Support also includes self-care, especially stress management. If a parent feels that she may lose her temper or verbally abuse her child, she should seek professional assistance with stress management. Taking time off from parenting while the child remains in the care of a responsible adult can keep the parent from becoming over-stressed.
References
- "Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing: Concepts of Care in Evidence-Based Practice;" Mary C. Townsend, M.N., A.P.R.N.; 2006
- American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- MayoClinic.com: Oppositional Defiant Disorder
