Parenting & Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Arlington and Mansfield

Parenting a strong willed and/or very emotional child makes the job so much more challenging. ODD is a disorder that begins in childhood. Symptoms can include a pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months and may include:

  • Often loses temper

  • Is often touchy or easily annoyed

  • Is often angry and resentful

  • Often argues with authority figures or adults

  • Often actively defies or refuses to comply with request from authority or follow rules

  • Often deliberately annoys others

  • Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior

  • Has been spiteful or vindictive

Anyone can have feelings of negativity and hostility occasionally, especially when life presents setbacks. However, for some people, the urge to be oppositional happens more often than usual.

Someone who has trouble containing their emotions and has regular outbursts may have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

If left untreated or misdiagnosed in childhood, ODD can lead to issues with anxiety, mood changes, and conduct in adulthood. Counseling works as ODD treatment by replacing symptoms like defiance and irritability with calming thoughts and positive strategies.

Common objectives include:

  • identifying outburst triggers and consequences

  • learning strategies to regulate emotion

  • self-monitoring changes in emotion

  • using relaxation techniques to remain calm

  • learning socially appropriate reactions to anger-provoking situations