Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

It is totally normal, and even expected, for children and teens to test boundaries and defy authority every now and then. However, if the young person is displaying behavior that is excessive for their age and lasts longer than six months it may be oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). ODD is a behavior disorder that is characterized by a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance and/or vindictiveness toward authority figures that disrupts activities school and/or home. ODD can vary is severity, from mild to severe, and typically begins to emerge during early childhood.  Therapy for ODD can help the child develop more effective coping skills and can also be helpful for parents struggling to parent a child with ODD.  If a child in your care is suffering from ODD (or you think they might be), reach out to one of TherapyDen’s ODD experts today.

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Meet the specialists

I have experience working in a school- based setting and offered crisis support to children and teens with a history of behavioral problems. Used the nationally recognized Teaching Family Model to assist youth with learning social skills, anger management, goal setting and basic living skills.

— Andrea Mooradian, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Gig Harbor, WA
 

I have a history of working with children with ODD and their parents. I work with both the client and their family to help them understand how to better communicate their needs to reduce fighting, aruging, and tears.

— Trevor Barger, Licensed Professional Counselor in Springfield, MO

ODD, oppositional defiant disorder, includes frequent episodes of anger, deliberately irritating or hostile behavior, and a pronounced intolerance for authority. The key is to stop the sequence of events that leads to these behaviors as early as possible.

— Marli Criniti, Licensed Professional Counselor in Manassas, VA
 

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is defined as a pattern of disruptive, and noncompliant behaviors (anger, outbursts, defiance, etc ) usually directed towards an authority figure like parents and teachers. These behaviors can cause significant distress for both the parents and the child. Behavioral parent training has been shown to be effective in helping parents manage difficult behaviors and reduce family stress.

— Nicholas Moore, Clinical Psychologist

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is one of the best treatments for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I coach you to use play therapy skills to strengthen your bond with their child and build your child's motivation to please you. When this strong foundation is established, I coach you in using very strict and consistent discipline skills that were developed especially for children with ODD.

— Lea Ray, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Durham, NC
 

I love working with "naughty" children. Not because I enjoy seeing parents stressed out - I understand how taxing it can be to parent a strong willed child. Rather, I love working with these families because I have seen over and over again the radical shift in parents lives when they learn PCIT and how to channel their child's defiance against them into resilience and perseverance with them. "Naughtiness" is just a sign that peace and warmth can come back to the family with PCIT.

— DC Hamilton, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Rancho Cucamonga, CA