Is Your Child ODD?

So today I was browsing the mommy boards when I came across a post by a woman who works in a children’s hospital. The topic was the rampant diagnoses of children with psychiatric problems like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Well, this woman remarked on the latest dubious psychiatric label: “Oppositional Defiant Disorder” - which she termed as: “You need your a$$ whooped!” I didn’t even believe that she was serious (and I don’t condone corporal punishment) but sure enough … from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (emphasis mine):

Children With Oppositional Defiant Disorder

No. 72; Updated December 1999

All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults. Oppositional behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents. However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child’s social, family, and academic life.

In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster’s day to day functioning. Symptoms of ODD may include:

frequent temper tantrums

excessive arguing with adults

active defiance and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules

deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people

blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior

often being touchy or easily annoyed by others

frequent anger and resentment

mean and hateful talking when upset

seeking revenge

The symptoms are usually seen in multiple settings, but may be more noticeable at home or at school. Five to fifteen percent of all school‑age children have ODD. The causes of ODD are unknown, but many parents report that their child with ODD was more rigid and demanding than the child’s siblings from an early age. Biological and environmental factors may have a role.

Click on link above for more, including the possible “treatments” - which mainly seem to be GOOD PARENTING. Seriously … what will it be next? And those percentages seems very high! And wow - “biological and environmental factors may have a role?” Ya think? I mean, what ELSE would have a role if not one or both of those things?

**flabbergasted**

Comments

3 Responses to “Is Your Child ODD?”

Jess on July 17th, 2008 4:27 pm

Describes my little brother to a “T” actually, and he’s 23 now. But their suggestions for “treatment” are pretty much exactly how he was parented.

It’s amazing what labels can be slapped around — I imagine that a kid labeled “ODD” will actually get a pass for bad behavior from some, since it’s a “disorder” and no longer a behavior issue. Just as kids labeled “ADD” or “ADHD” can be written off as unable to learn because of a similar “disorder.” But that’s just a hunch, from the eyes of a parent and not a professional. Of course there are kids with real problems, but I suspect far fewer than the professional organizations claim to have identified.
Sean on July 17th, 2008 4:50 pm

Actually, yes, my son is oppositional and defiant. To the point of violence. And I have parented him just as they suggest. For 17 years. It’s frustrating, painful, and scary. Last month he assaulted me. Now he’s in state custody. It breaks my heart.
Schuyler on July 24th, 2008 3:32 pm

While good, firm parenting is essential to a child’s emotional well being, we err when we imply that many ODD kids (or kids like them) are only products of lenient discipline rather than a sad and often abusive family situation. Some ODD kids are spoiled brats, others come from normal, affirming families and many have been psychologically scared by what has happened to them, from rape to physical abuse. Children with ADHD and ODD also commonly suffer from depression and suicide even under the age of five. Ministering to these children and helping them live happy, whole lives is impossible if the only nuance you see is that of someone who is spoiled and self indulgent. Rather I hope that you see a tragedy in these children rather than a chance to set them straight. By seeking to delegitimize their struggles by questioning the validity of ODD, we miss a chance to recognize and understand a part of the population that desperately needs our help.