Oppositional Defiant Disorder in the ADHD Child
For many children, ages two to three, the tendency to test to the threshold level of a parent is quite common. However, as a child ages, the tendency to push the limits, exhibit angry outbursts and test authority should dissipate. For children with Attention Deficit Disorder, these symptoms may never dissipate and may, instead, proliferate into a co-morbid condition known as Oppositional Defiant Disorder. For parents, this compounds the stress in parenting and raising a child already diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. Understanding the characteristics of the Oppositional Defiant Disorder, the various treatment options and the potential for recovery, will assist parents in gathering the resources necessary to raise the ADHD child into a productive adult.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder is defined as a personality trait in which consistent hostile and negative behavior is present for greater than six months. Behavior patterns such an easy loss of temper, blaming others for mistakes, excessive arguing with adults, challenging authority and failure to follow directions and rules are often present. While these symptoms are also consistent with a child suffering from Attention Deficit Disorder, the parent of a child co-morbid for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) will find the pattern to be much more significant. In fact, the behavior is known to impair peer relationships, academic performance and familial relationships.
The cause and origin of Oppositional Defiant Disorder is not known. With some biological basis, the condition may be attributed to an environment in which the child did not complete development at the age of two or three and remains in the mindset of the toddler maturity level. Another theory lends the ODD origin to a biological basis of ADHD which attributed to negative interaction by the parent thus leading to a learned behavior now exhibited as oppositional defiance. What is important to note is that 50-65% of all ODD individuals are co-morbid with ADHD. As a result, it is imperative that treatment programs incorporate a platform in which to resolve both psychological conditions. For many of these children, by age 8, if symptoms still persist, the condition will most likely not dissipate and will continue into adulthood. Providing the necessary therapy and training tools is the next line of defense to ensure each ODD child is progressed into adulthood as efficiently as possible.
Treatment options for Oppositional Defiant Disorder are varied. Most professionals recommend medications such as Ritalin or Risperdal to treat both the ODD and the ADHD symptoms. Recently, there has been some research to show the use of Omega-3 and Vitamin E may prove beneficial in alleviating symptoms of both psychological conditions. Beyond medication usage, behavioral and cognitive therapy is recommended to address parenting styles, establish restrictions and methods for addressing anger management in the child. It is noted that most children, with Oppositional Defiant Disorder symptoms, will respond well to positive reinforcement and praise.
As parents, the daily struggle of raising children involves the authority challenge so often presented in late grade school and in middle schoolers. When facing a situation where the child exhibits symptoms of stubbornness and appears to be argumentative, without reason for an extended period of time, consult a pediatrician regarding the diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. For children suffering from ODD, early diagnosis and treatment intervention is the key to a happy and healthy transition into adulthood.
