Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment Near Me

The key to managing ODD is early identification and intervention.

Frequent Argumentativeness: Children with ODD often engage in frequent arguments with adults, especially over rules, requests, or directions. They may be quick to become angry or resentful.

Defiance of Rules and Requests: Individuals with ODD often actively refuse to comply with rules and requests from authority figures. They may deliberately do things to annoy or upset others.

Temper Outbursts: Children with ODD may have frequent temper tantrums or outbursts of anger. These outbursts can be intense and may be triggered by relatively minor frustrations.

Blaming Others: They may be prone to blame others for their mistakes or misbehavior and may be unwilling to take responsibility for their actions.

Irritability: Children with ODD can be consistently irritable and touchy, even when not actively engaged in an argument or defiance.

ODD typically emerges during childhood, and it can vary in severity. While many children may exhibit oppositional behaviors at some point, ODD is diagnosed when these behaviors are persistent, disruptive, and significantly impair the child’s social, academic, or family functioning.

The exact cause of ODD is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. It’s important to remember that a diagnosis of ODD does not mean your child is “bad.” It is a treatable condition, and with the right interventions, many children with ODD can improve their behavior and relationships.

Treatment for ODD often involves a combination of strategies, including:

Parent Training: Teaching parents effective strategies for managing their child’s behavior, setting clear expectations, and using positive reinforcement.

Individual or Family Therapy: Therapy can help the child and family address the emotional and behavioral challenges associated with ODD and improve communication.

School Interventions: Collaborating with teachers and school counselors to create a supportive environment for the child, including behavior management plans.

Medication: In some cases, medication may be considered if there are co-occurring conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or mood disorders.

The key to managing ODD is early identification and intervention. Reach out today to find the best option for you. With multiple locations and telehealth options we can provide the necessary guidance, Anxiety Treatment, and support near you in Greater Portland Maine, and Miami, Florida and via telehealth throughout Maine and Florida.