Conditions · Oppositional defiant disorder
Help for oppositional defiant disorder.
Oppositional defiant disorder, or ODD, is a lasting pattern of anger, arguing, and defiance in a child or teen that goes beyond normal limits and strains life at home and school. It is not bad parenting, and your child is not a bad kid. ODD is treatable, and it usually improves when the whole picture is addressed. Dr. McDade is board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and treats patients ages 12 to 70, by secure video across Texas and California.
The signs
What ODD looks like.
Every child argues and tests limits sometimes. ODD is a pattern that is more frequent and more intense than usual, and it keeps causing problems. You might see some of these signs.
- Frequent anger or losing their temper
- Arguing with parents and other adults
- Refusing to follow rules or requests
- Deliberately annoying or provoking others
- Blaming others for their mistakes
- Touchy, and easily annoyed
- Angry, resentful, or spiteful
- Constant conflict at home
- Trouble at school or with friends
- Behavior that has lasted six months or more
You are not alone in this. Oppositional defiant disorder is one of the most common behavioral health conditions in children and teens, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
What this is, and is not
It is not bad parenting, and not a bad kid.
If you are reading this, you are probably exhausted, and maybe blaming yourself. Please hear this. ODD is a real condition, not a sign that you failed or that your child is choosing to be difficult. The anger usually comes from something underneath, like ADHD, anxiety, depression, a learning struggle, or feeling out of control.
Your child is struggling, not just misbehaving. When you understand what is driving the behavior, you can finally start to change it. You do not have to figure this out on your own.
Treatment
How a psychiatrist treats ODD.
There is no single pill for ODD. Treatment usually combines family-focused therapy and behavioral support, plus treating any condition that is fueling the behavior, like ADHD, anxiety, or depression. Dr. McDade starts with an accurate diagnosis of the whole picture, provides medication management for co-occurring conditions, and connects your family with the right therapy and support.
“A defiant child is often a child who is struggling and does not have the words for it. Find what is underneath, and the behavior starts to change.”
Care with Dr. McDade
What your care looks like.
Your first visit is unhurried, and runs 60 to 90 minutes. You and your child meet with Dr. McDade, who listens to both of you, looks for what is driving the behavior, and explains what is going on in plain language.
You leave with a clear plan, and follow-up visits adjust it as things improve. All of it happens by secure video, from home. Meet Dr. McDade.
Questions, answered
ODD FAQ.
Is this just normal teenage behavior?
Some arguing and pushback is a normal part of growing up. ODD is when anger and defiance are frequent and intense, last six months or more, and cause real problems at home or school. An evaluation can tell the difference.
Is ODD caused by bad parenting?
No. ODD comes from a mix of temperament, brain development, and environment. Many caring, capable parents have a child with ODD. It is not a verdict on you or on your child.
Can medication treat ODD?
There is no single medication for ODD itself. Medication can help when ADHD, anxiety, or depression are part of the picture. The main treatment is family-focused therapy and behavioral support.
Can you help with my teen by video?
Yes. Dr. McDade is board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry and sees teens by secure video, with parents involved in the care.
What ages does Dr. McDade treat?
Dr. McDade treats patients ages 12 to 70, including teens, with support for the whole family.
What if my child has ODD and ADHD?
That is common. ODD often occurs alongside ADHD, anxiety, or depression. Dr. McDade looks at the whole picture and treats what is actually driving the behavior.
If anger and defiance are straining your family or your child's life at school, it is worth talking with a psychiatrist. Health & Harmony Psychiatry does not provide emergency care. If your child is in danger, or thinking about harming themselves or others, call or text 988, or call 911.
Begin when you are ready
Find what is underneath the anger.
Book a private first visit for your teen with Dr. McDade, or reach our team with a question. Care is available by secure video across Texas and California.