Part 2: Powerful Treatments for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

By Andy Anderson

 

Remember Part 1?
We discussed the reasons behind your child's constant defiance, such as brain chemistry, genes, and even things happening around them at home or school. Now, in Part 2, let's move past understanding why they act out and find real solutions—how to help them behave better!

Click Here to review Part 1:

Helping Your Child Behave Better: A Guide to ODD Treatment

Does your child argue, get mad quickly, and frequently appear in a bad mood? They might have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). It's a common problem for kids, but the good news is there are ways to help them act better.

Think of it like a Team Effort.

In many cases, the best way to tackle ODD is to work together with multiple mental health professionals. A combination of different treatments can be beneficial and sometimes crucial when your child also suffers from depression, anxiety, ADHD, or other disorders or problems.

Core Treatments

  • Parent Boot Camp (PMT): This unique program teaches parents tricks for dealing with challenging situations and positively interacting more with their children. 
  • One-on-One Training (Individual Therapy): This is where your child meets a therapist to learn skills to manage anger, control their feelings, and solve problems independently.
  • Family Huddle (Family Therapy): Sometimes, the whole family needs to practice communicating. This therapy helps everyone understand ODD and work together to calm things down at home.
  • Social Skills Training: This helps kids learn how to make friends and get along with others, which is super important for teenagers with ODD.

Bonus Tools: Expanding the Toolbox

While the core treatments are like the star players, there are other helpful options:

  • Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS): It's not about being a bad kid; it's about lacking skills. These meltdowns aren't because your child is naughty but because they struggle with calming down when they're mad (frustration tolerance) or going with the flow when plans change (flexibility).
    • Let's build those skills, not yell. Instead of punishment, this approach focuses on helping your child develop the skills to manage challenging situations.
    • Work together, not against each other: You and your child can collaborate to find solutions. Brainstorm ideas, talk things through, and find ways to make things work for everyone.
    • See things from their point of view: Try to understand why your child is getting so upset. Are they frustrated because a game didn't go their way? Did their plans get changed unexpectedly? Stepping into their shoes can help you find ways to address the root of the problem.

    This approach involves building a positive, collaborative relationship with your child. It takes time and effort but can be much more effective than engaging in power struggles.

  • Social Competence Training Programs: These programs help kids understand social cues and how to act in different situations. This is especially helpful for kids with ODD, who might also act a little aggressive sometimes.

Picking the Perfect Plan

The best treatment plan depends on your child's age, personality, and ODD severity. A doctor or therapist will do some tests to figure out the ideal approach for your child. Here are some extra things to keep in mind:

  • Younger vs. Older Kids: Little kids usually benefit more from parent training, while teenagers might do better with a combination of Parent Training and therapy that focuses on changing their thoughts and behavior.
  • Family Therapy: Sometimes, family therapy can be a big help, especially if things happening at home might worsen your child's ODD.
  • Working Together is Key: To make any treatment successful, everyone involved (parents, therapists, and the child) must work together.

With the proper treatment and support, your child can learn to manage their emotions and develop healthier ways to deal with challenges. There is a bright future ahead!

Part 3: Rebuilding your Parent/Child Relationship Introduces the first and critically important skill of the PMT program.

Click Here to Read Part 3:

Suggested Reading

Barkley, R. A., & Benton, C. M. (2013). Your Defiant Child: Eight Steps to Better Behavior. Guilford Press. Amazon

Barkley, R. A., & Robin, A. L. (2013). Your Defiant Teen: 10 Steps to Resolve Conflict and Rebuild Your Relationship. Guilford Publications. Amazon 

Forgatch, M. S., Patterson, G. R., & Friend, T. (2017). Raising cooperative kids: Proven practices for a connected, happy family. Red Wheel/Weiser.  Amazon

Greene, R. W. (2005). The Explosive Child: A new approach for understanding and parenting easily frustrated, chronically inflexible children. Harper Collins. Amazon

Kazdin, A. E., & Rotella, C. (2009). The Kazdin method for parenting the defiant child: With no pills, no therapy, no contest of wills. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Amazon

Kazdin, A. E., & Rotella, C. (2013). Everyday parenting toolkit: The kazdin method for easy, step-by-step, lasting change for you and your child. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Amazon


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