Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Gain the Tools to Create Better Relationships
Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment in Los Angeles, CA With NeoPsych
Your little angel isn’t always an angel. Every child has times when they are resistant to instruction and guidance and prone to poor behavior, especially when they are hungry, sleepy or during times of stress or emotional instability. But, if your child exhibits dramatic, negative feelings, such as consists of anger, irritability, rebelliousness, resentment, temper tantrums, and defiance, or hostile behavior towards their siblings, friends, or authoritative figures, they may suffer from oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
Children with ODD can be difficult for parents to raise without proper guidance and support. NeoPsych specializes in empowering teens with ODD and their loved ones by helping them develop the coping skills and tools they need to overcome their disorder and other challenges so they can thrive and succeed in today’s complicated world.
What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Oppositional defiant disorder is a disruptive behavioral condition that makes some children or teens more challenging to interact with than normal. It is commonly diagnosed during childhood and in some cases, adolescence. Children with ODD exhibit hostile behavior towards their siblings, parents, teachers, and others, especially in social functions. Many children with this condition also struggle in their interpersonal relationships with peers.
Some oppositional behavior is a normal part of childhood development. Children ages two to three years old and in their early teens typically exhibit oppositional behavior that goes away as they grow, develop, and become more mature. ODD is likely when symptoms that interfere with daily activities and personal relationships are present for six months or longer.
The Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Los Angeles, CA
Symptoms of ODD include:
Loses their temper frequently, easily annoyed, often resentful
May argue with adults or those in authority, defies or refuses to comply with requests, blames others for their mistakes, deliberately annoys or upsets others
May be spiteful or vindictive if they are upset by others
Oppositional defiant disorder symptoms vary from person to person and in severity. They may impact all areas of life or certain areas, such as home or school. ODD symptoms can become more severe without treatment.
How Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treated?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a highly effective and proven treatment for many mental health conditions, including oppositional defiant disorder. The C.U.B.E. empowers patients by providing them with the tools needed to overcome challenging behaviors and thrive.
The C.U.B.E. Approach consists of the following:
C
Connect: Connection is the key to successful therapy. Patients need to feel safe and secure, so they feel comfortable and more receptive to positive advice and guidance. Our therapists work to build therapeutic relationships with both teens and their parents. By working with the whole family, we can dramatically improve outcomes and ensure that patients receive the support at home that they need to thrive in all areas of life.
U
Uplift: Change is difficult, but with hope, it is possible. The C.U.B.E. helps patients to see the good in themselves and their situations, by providing them with the confidence they need for lasting change.
B
Build: Navigating social interaction doesn’t always come easily for patients. The C.U.B.E. helps teens to develop the lifelong skills they need for effective communication with their peers, teachers, parents, and others.
E
Empower: Therapy doesn’t have to be a lifelong pursuit. Our therapists want to see our patients thrive on their own. We work to help become more self-sufficient so they can tackle challenging situations, both now and in the future.
The C.U.B.E. offers a custom experience for each patient to determine their needs. Our therapists have many years of experience and training that enable them to utilize a compassionate and therapeutic approach to helping children, teens, and young adults with ODD.
Frequently Asked Questions About ODD
If the therapist believes that your child could benefit from medication, they may recommend seeking a medication consult.
The exact causes of oppositional defiant disorder are unknown, but many factors can contribute to its development. It is often seen in families and is believed to have a genetic component. Biological factors, including trauma to the brain and abnormality in the brain’s ability to process neurotransmitters, may also play a role.
Oppositional defiant disorder is often seen in patients and families with ADHD. It may also co-exist with depression.
Oppositional defiant disorder is often seen in children and teens. Sometimes the condition is fleeting, resolving on its own as the child progresses through normal growth and development. Although the condition often resolves on its own with time, treating it can be valuable. Many children and teens with ODD struggle to create lasting relationships and may feel isolated by their peers. Helping children to recognize their problem behaviors and to develop new tools for communication and interaction can improve many aspects of their lives, including socialization, schooling, and family relationships. Early treatment helps to avoid more serious behavioral disorders from developing.
Parents often lack the tools to work with a challenging child to change their behaviors effectively. NEO Psych believes that a family-centered approach is essential when treating teens and young adults with oppositional defiant disorder. As the therapist works with the child to build tools and establish new habits, they also work with parents, teaching them how to discipline and communicate with their struggling child adequately. If you’re struggling to know how to support your child with ODD, contact NEO Psych
Improve your relationship with your child or teen. Oppositional defiant disorder can be treated with the help of NeoPsych, in Los Angeles, CA, that specializes in working with teens and young adults along with their families. We invite you to contact our office to learn more.
