Today we learned about ODD, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder!
ODD is characterized by irritable mood, argumentative and defiant behavior, aggression, and vindictiveness that last more than six months. It can cause significant problems at home or school. Most kids diagnosed with ODD are between the ages of 3 and 10 years old. Most studies suggest that children improve after age of 10 with their behaviors.
ODD can also be intertwined with ADHD symptoms, struggles in the home environment, and genetic factors.
ODD is treated with therapy, family sessions, and different types of medications: fun fact, the type of medicine that will help your symptoms now can also help your treatment team identify what your diagnoses may be as you age!
Many children with ODD don’t understand how to self-soothe. We talked about how babies make basic connections and attachments with their parents- this is key in helping us regulate our emotions!
ODD kids are NOT bad kids! Any person with a mental health disorder is not a bad person!
If you have a younger child struggling with consistent bad moods, outbursts, and problems with behavioral regulation for longer than six months, you may need to talk to someone! Remember to be patient with them!