Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Take Back Your Teen

If there was ever a behavior disorder that could be over-diagnosed in children and teens, it would have to be Oppositional Defiant Disorder. My DSM says that at least four of eight criteria must be met for at least six months in order to receive this diagnosis.

1. often loses temper
2. often argues with adults
3. often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules
4. often deliberately annoys people
5. often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbhavior
6. is often touchy or easily annoyed by others
7. is often angry and resentful
8. is often spiteful or vindictive

Does your child have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)? If he meets four or even more of the above items, he doesn't necessarily have this behavior disorder. What is sometimes considered an ODD teen may simply be a child who has gotten his way all his life and now that mom and dad are pulling in the reigns, he's rebelling in a very big way. Sometimes, good parenting techniques can turn a child like this around. Parents must take control and not let their children run things. Call the police, hold your unrully child down until he submits; do whatever is necessary to take control back.

Does your child have ODD? He could. One of the primary indicators is this, "The disturbance in behavior causes clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning." Another note in the DSM says, " . . . the behavior [must] occur more frequently than is typically observed in individuals of comparable age and developmental level." He just cannot make it like other kids because of his behavior. If this is the case, he definitely needs help. Medication can make the journey easiery and behavior modification can work wonders as well.

Your child's doctor or therapist may diagnose your child as ODD, but don't let him think that this is his license to act however he wants. Let this diagnosis be your starting point for helping your son or daughter get back on the right track.

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