About 40 percent of all children who suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also develop oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Parenting a child with both these disorders can be pleasant at some points, but can sometimes seem like a nightmare. Long-term professional treatment is often needed for children and teens diagnosed with both ODD and ADHD.
Symptoms of ADHD
Children and teens with ADHD have three main symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Helpguide.org reports that they often make careless mistakes, lose things, have trouble staying organized, talk excessively, blurt out answers and interrupt others. Children and adolescents with ADHD do not do these things intentionally. Often, they become just as frustrated as their parents and teachers, and wish they could change their behavior.
Symptoms of ODD
Children and teens suffering from ODD display negativity, defiance, disobedience and hostility towards authority figures. Symptoms must last at least six months and the child must be persistently defiant to receive a diagnosis of ODD. Children and adolescents with ODD throw temper tantrums when they don't get their way, deliberately annoy others, argue with parents and teachers, refuse to comply with rules and act aggressive towards their peers. The symptoms of ADHD and ODD can seem similar; however, children and teens with ODD intentionally behave inappropriately whereas children with ADHD don't.
Causes of ADHD and ODD
There is not one specific reason that children develop ADHD or ODD. The causes of ADHD and ODD differ. Altered brain function and an imbalance of brain chemicals are the only causes that they share. MayoClinic.com reports that other causes of ODD include a child's natural disposition, developmental delays, harsh discipline, abuse or neglect, and lack of parental supervision. Others causes for ADHD include genetics, maternal smoking and exposure to toxins.
Treatment
When a child or teen suffers from both ADHD and ODD, medication, individual therapy, family therapy or parental training, and social skills training are often recommended. Usually, medication does not help reduce the symptoms of ODD, but it can help reduce the negative symptoms of ADHD which can help lower the child's frustration. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that stimulants such as Concerta and Ritalin are the most common drug used in treating ADHD. Through family therapy and parental training, mental health professionals teach parents skills they need to parent their difficult children and adolescents. In individual therapy, counselors work with children and teens who suffer from both these disorders to help them change their behavioral patterns.
Parenting
Parenting a child with these disorders can feel overwhelming. It's important that parents of these children get the help and support that they need from family members and mental health professionals. Parents should also reinforce positive behaviors, practice patience, pick their battles and give their children age-appropriate consequences.
