Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) treatment is typically accomplished with behavioral therapy or a mixture of behavioral techniques and pharmaceutical medication.

Psychotherapeutic: When treating a person for ODD, restoring the emotional stability is a priority. This method that the parents play a large function in resolving the defiant behavior patterns causing problems. Parent training packages are frequently recommended to help parents learn to educate their child’s behavior via setting clear expectations and consistently praising kids when they comply with requests or demands as well as through loss of rewards or incentives when they don’t. Positive parenting skills to manage defiant children is an important part of treatment for oppositional defiant disorder (ODD treatment).

Parent education applications might consist of periods with mother and father and the child operating collectively, or simply mother and father by themselves (especially when parents are in need of individualized instruction in regards to techniques and coping strategies that can be implemented for treating ODD behaviors and symptoms) Some unique programs consist of:

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent Management Training (PMT)
Defiant Teens
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
The Incredible Years

Some kids can also benefit from social skills schooling to enhance their peer relationships or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) if they suffer with anxiety or symptoms of depression. Children struggling with severe emotional dysregulation or those in need of help with anger management, violence or destructive behaviors might also benefit from dialectical conduct therapy (DBT).

Pharmacological: There is no FDA-approved medicine for ODD. However, antipsychotic medicines like Abilify (aripiprazole) and Risperdal (risperidone) and Seroquel are often prescribed to manage symptoms.

Stimulant prescription medications can be prescribed if the child is also diagnosed with ADHD or is struggling with excessive impulsivity. Children with underlying depression or tension can be prescribed an antidepressant (SSRI). Anxiety also is a common diagnosis for children with oppositional defiant disorder and prescriptions for treating anxiety are widely used.

While prescription medications for oppositional defiant disorder treatment are most common, many people choose a holistic approach to managing symptoms of ODD, DMDD, Anxiety and Depression. Nutrients are a popular option for treating disorders. Naturopath doctors and clinicians may suggest good quality omegas and nutrients known to help resolve a variety of symptoms related to disorders. SNAP nutrients for brain balance are one formula which is proving helpful for treatment of ODD, DMDD and happens to be particularly effective for managing the behavior symptoms as well as symptoms from anxiety and depression.

Overall, whether oppositional defiant disorder treatment or for DMDD, ADHD, anxiety or depression, using positive parenting techniques and behavioral programs can be helpful in resolving problems from the disorders.

ODD – oppositional defiant disorder can bring behavior problems that are disruptive and can be explosive yet they can be treated effectively. Consult your therapist, psychiatrist or health care provider for additional assistance on behavior programs for managing oppositional defiant disorder treatment.