| Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment is most often | | | | Being as a difficult child is a problem for the entire |
| a combination of behavior therapy for the child, family | | | | family, having the entire family involved in the treatment |
| therapy with the parents, siblings and the problem child, | | | | program is rewarding for all. The common goal is to |
| and additional parental training for the adults. Another | | | | have a happier family life where everyone works |
| available treatment sometimes included is the often | | | | together for the well being of all. |
| controversial prescribing of Ritalin. Ritalin is most | | | | Ritalin, a mild central nervous system stimulant, is |
| commonly prescribed for children with Attention Deficit | | | | sometimes administered for Oppositional Defiant |
| Disorder (ADD) which is sometimes intertwined with | | | | Disorder in addition to Attention Deficit Disorder. It |
| Oppositional Defiant Disorder. | | | | affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that |
| The idea of the behavior therapy is to reduce the | | | | contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. |
| frequency and severity of the problem behaviors. The | | | | The question of whether or not to use this drug (or |
| worst behavior patterns would be stressed and | | | | other similar ones) is between the parents and their |
| tackled first. Often being a behavior that can hurt the | | | | physician. The jury is still out on the long term effects |
| child or others, or cause damage around him, it's a | | | | of such a drugs and it should not be administered |
| good idea to start with the most disruptive, destructive | | | | without much discussion and thought. Many parents |
| behavior. Good acceptable behavior is rewarded, thus | | | | are concerned that this artificial calming of the child |
| a positive outcome results from appropriate behavior. | | | | may take away some of the personality and creativity |
| The general train of thought is that this will encourage | | | | of the child. Some parents are strictly against anything |
| the good behavior and eventually eliminate the bad | | | | unnatural. Educating oneself on the subject and |
| behavior entirely. | | | | discussing it intensely with the physician can help one |
| Often times, the therapist wants to work alone with | | | | make this decision, should it be decided that it could |
| the child in the beginning. The therapist may want to | | | | positively help your child. A behaved child can learn |
| work with the parents and other family members | | | | more easily, and the well adjusted child in the |
| alone without the problem child in the beginning. Family | | | | classroom is definitely a happier child. |
| group sessions which include the child with the | | | | For the treatment of the child with Oppositional Defiant |
| behavior problem will be added to the therapy | | | | Disorder, the parent should ask many questions and |
| program. It is imperative that the family and parents | | | | find out as much as they can about the behavior |
| have time alone with the therapist so they may learn | | | | problem. Often times, it is a phase which will be |
| how the therapy will work and play a part in the | | | | outgrown. The more information one has on the |
| training at home away from the professional setting. | | | | subject will enable the parents to determine if this is a |
| Parents often need to correct some of their own | | | | behavioral disorder that requires treatment or if it is a |
| behavior. This does not mean they are bad parents; | | | | natural phase in your child's development. |
| often their behavior or reaction to the child's behavior is | | | | We're never too old to learn, and learning to be a |
| not the correct reaction, regardless of the best of | | | | better parent is not something to shy from. Experts |
| intentions. I may actually be encouraging the difficult | | | | have lots of experience with various personality types |
| defiant disorder. Sometimes small changes in the | | | | and behavior disorders and it is wise to take their |
| parent's actions and reactions to the child or even | | | | advice. Just imagine, your youngster's behavior |
| making time for one on one time with the child can | | | | problems may be a blessing in disguise. The entire |
| make a huge difference. Older siblings can also learn b | | | | family may learn simple ways to work together better |
| behavior that will help to train their difficult and | | | | and have a happier home life. |
| disruptive sibling. | | | | |