"Oppositional Defiant Disorder"
By Dr. Howard Rebach, LCSW-c

Oppositional Decant Disorder, or ODD, is particularly wearing and frustrating for parents. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, five to fifteen percent of school age children have ODD, though the cause is presently unknown.

As the Surgeon General recently noted, ODD seems to be “a collection of behaviors rather than a coherent pattern of mental dysfunction.” All children are occasionally oppositional - they argue, talk back, and disobey or defy parents and teachers every now and then. However, ODD children show an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, hostile, and decant behaviors that occurs with greater consistency and frequency compared to other children their age. This pattern has serious negative effects on family life and their progress in school.

Problem behaviors include frequently arguing with adults, losing their temper, refusing to obey or openly defying rules and adult requests, deliberately annoying people, and blaming others for their mistakes and misbehavior.

The frustration for parents and teachers, as well as for the children themselves, is compounded because ODD may often co-exist with Attention Deceit Disorder, learning disabilities, depression, or anxiety disorders. Though medications may be useful in treatment of these co-existing disorders, “no drugs have been demonstrated to be consistently effective” with ODD children, according to the Surgeon General. Experts such as Russell Barkley recommend “a combination of interventions” as the best approach to treatment which should start with a thorough evaluation of the child.

From my own experience, I should add that a well-informed parent is vital. A book I recommend is Your Decant Child, by Russell Barkley and Christine Benton.

MAGGIE.S MEMO:
DR. HOWARD REBACH has an extensive background in psychotherapy and counseling, including chemical dependency treatment and mediation. His office is at 540 Riverside Dr. Ste. 2 in Salisbury. Call 410-726-5578 for an appointment.

MAGGIE SAYS:
Our sources stressed that DR. REBACH is willing to go the extra mile for his clients. Maggie is happy to recommend DR. REBACH to you and your family.