How Can You Help Your Oppositional Defiant Teen?
Talking back, rebelliousness, willful disobedience, and constant irritability—these are just some behaviors that many teens exhibit. They are often part and parcel of being an adolescent. While it is true that a significant number of teens outgrow their defiant behavior, it can persist or become more extreme for 2-16% of children who are diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder according to Cincinatti Children’s.
What is ODD?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder or ODD “is a childhood disorder that is characterized by negative, defiant, disobedient and often hostile behavior toward adults and authority figures,” says Dr. Steve Bressert of PsychCentral. It is considered a disruptive behavior disorder (DBD), as those affected are often disruptive toward their family, friends, teachers, classmates, and virtually anyone close to them.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), children with ODD show a persistent “pattern of extreme negativity, hostility and defiance that is constant, lasts at least 6 months, excessive compared with what is usual for the child’s age, disruptive to the family and the school, and usually directed toward an authority figure (parents, teachers, principal, coach).”
Knowing the Symptoms of ODD
The kind of defiance that is exhibited by teenagers with ODD isn’t just about asserting an opinion or expressing frustration. A teen with ODD may express defiance using hostile responses, verbal aggression, deliberate annoyance, or willful disobedience. They may also lose their temper when reprimanded, vehemently argue with adults/authority figures, refuse to cooperate with anyone, or blame others for their mistakes.
AACAP offers this list of behavioral symptoms that are common with ODD:
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Excessive arguments with adults
- Actively refusing to comply with requests and rules
- Often questioning rules
- Deliberately annoying and upsetting others
- Often touchy or annoyed by others
- Blaming others for their mistakes
- Frequent outbursts of anger and resentment
- Spiteful attitude
- Revenge seeking behaviors
If any of the above symptoms or behaviors sound familiar it may benefit you and your teen to consult with a licensed therapist. They can fully assess what is going on and make effective treatment recommendations.
The Effects of ODD
ODD can impact many areas of your child’s life. Some potential effects can include;
- ODD can lead to loneliness. Behaviors associated with ODD can be overwhelming which can lead to others avoiding your child.
- It can make your teen’s life more difficult. Refusing to cooperate and not completing tasks will most likely delay their developmental milestones.
- ODD can lead to other conditions. If they are feeling constantly behind they may feel as if they cannot reach their full potential and experience poor self-image, anger, sadness and even depression or anxiety.
The Outlook for ODD
ODD can be triggered by genetics, biological makeup, and other environmental factors. Without proper treatment, this condition that usually starts in childhood can linger into adolescence and even adulthood. While this is possible, it doesn’t have to be this way. ODD is treatable.
To help your child, recognizing the symptoms and seeking proper assessment and care from a capable professional without delay is critical. According to Cleveland Clinic, “Milder forms of ODD often get better as the child ages.” It is widely believed that prompt treatment is effective and can prevent ODD from developing into conduct disorder.
Treatment for ODD
Early intervention can prevent ODD from worsening and help your child find remission. If your adolescent child has ODD, it isn’t too late to prevent it from getting worse as they journey toward adulthood.
Counseling can help your child learn healthier coping skills and improve the way they respond to triggers. Their behaviors can improve. Carolina Counseling Services — Pittsboro, NC contracts with skilled licensed counselors and therapists who can help.
Intervention can diminish ODD’s impact on your child, as well as on you and your family. Family therapy can also be helpful as a way to process the impact of ODD and find a good balance of discipline and love to support your child. You also deserve support during this difficult time. Call CCS today to get started! In person and online counseling sessions are available!