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Oppositional Defiant Disorder may be present in children who exhibit unusual hostility, frequent temper tantrums, excessive arguing, and make rude or nasty remarks. Children with ODD frequently act aggressively and disrespectfully towards parents, teachers, and other authority figures.
It can be really upsetting and even a little frightening if you're not familiar with the signs and helpful techniques to deal with this condition. Your inclination may be to respond defensively, but doing so could lead to a power battle.
Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Most of the symptoms experienced by kids and teens with ODD can occasionally be found in kids without the disorder. This is particularly true for kids who are approximately two or three years old or who are in their teen years. Children frequently ignore orders, dispute with parents, or challenge authorities.
Whether they are hungry, exhausted, or agitated, they frequently exhibit this behavior. Yet, these symptoms manifest more frequently in kids and teenagers with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. They obstruct learning and make academic adjustments as well. Also, in some instances, they sabotage the child's social interactions.
DMS-5 states that a kid must exhibit at least four symptoms from each of the following groups in order to be diagnosed with ODD. Signs and symptoms must be persistent for at least six months and have a detrimental effect on social, academic, or professional functioning:
Angry or anxious: Often loses their temper, frequently feels angry or resentful, frequently gets touchy or easily irritated.
Defiant behavior: Disputes frequently with adults or with those in positions of authority, actively disobeys or ignores their orders or rules, frequently irritates others on purpose, and places responsibility for his or her errors on others.
Vindictiveness: Exhibited spite or retaliation at least twice in the previous six months.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Adults
Adults with Oppositional Defiant Disorder are more than merely violent and irritable. They frequently lose their temper and are constantly angry with the world. Road rage and verbal abuse are two possible outcomes. Adults with ODD fiercely defend themselves when others accuse them of wrongdoing. They experience being pushed around, hemmed in, and misunderstood.
Adults with Oppositional Defiant Disorder find it challenging to hold down jobs, keep up relationships, and keep their marriages together due to their constant antagonism towards authority figures. They have a short threshold for irritation, are impatient, and are very quick to get angry. They consider themselves to be undervalued, mistreated, and misunderstood. Instead of being the root of the family system's suffering, they regard themselves as the victim.
Treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
An understanding parent or professional who supports them in overcoming the problem rather than criticizing them negatively might be a lifeline for children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Strive to redirect attention from noticing bad conduct to observing good behavior.
Give children the chance to share personal experiences about their lives, and pay attention when they do. Knowing what causes an outburst and recognizing triggers may help you stay out of uncomfortable situations.
Help children in identifying the growing emotions that breed defiance. Provide a safe environment where they may pause and reconsider their choices. Keep an eye out for indicators of escalation, such as balling up fists, withdrawing from classroom contact, or clenching their jaw. Becoming angry in response to an ODD child's outbursts can make the situation worse.
Moreover, upsetting an adult can amuse or inspire students. When approaching a child, exercise caution because invading their personal space can aggravate them even worse. Instead, use a calm voice and neutral body language. Expectations and limitations should be made clear as well.
Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder can and will push you to your limits. Yet, if you reach out to them, reassure them that you care about them, and make them feel like a valued member of your family, you'll give them the opportunity to be strong.
Make an appointment with your primary care physician or mental health professional to discuss your concerns if you believe your child or someone you know has oppositional defiant disorder. He or she will evaluate their symptoms and perform a physical examination to make sure the symptoms aren't being caused by another ailment.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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