Hyperactivity, impulsive behavior and inattentiveness characterize the behavioral condition known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The symptoms of oppositional behavior disorder, more commonly referred to as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), include constant defiance, disobedience and hostility toward authority figures. ADHD and ODD occur together in about 50 to 65 percent of affected children. Treatment plans vary according to patient, but typically include prescribed medication, parent management training, social skills training, behavior modification therapy and individual counseling.
Medication
Treatments for children with ADHD and ODD typically begin with prescribed medications for ADHD. While ODD itself doesn't respond to medication, untreated ADHD can worsen ODD symptoms. The most commonly prescribed ADHD medications are stimulants such as Concerta, Ritalin and Adderall. Successful treatment of ADHD symptoms should improve the effectiveness of other treatments for your child's ODD behavior.
Parent Management Training
Parents of children with ADHD and ODD must learn specific parenting techniques and skills to help improve the affected child's behavior. Parent management training (PMT) typically will teach you remain calm in the face of opposition, avoid power struggles, set limits and enforce effective consequences. You will also learn offer your child acceptable choices that give him a limited amount of control. Because ADHD and ODD children need strictly enforced routines, you will also learn establish a family schedule.
Social Skills Training
Children with ADHD are frequently oblivious to social cues, while those with ODD tend to see hostile intent in others' words and actions. Social skills training will help your child to interact with others more successfully. Your child will be trained to notice tones of voice, body language and facial expressions. Social skills training typically involves the therapist demonstrating appropriate social behavior and giving the child a chance to practice the same behavior within a group setting.
Behavior Modification Therapy
Behavior modification therapy uses positive reinforcement to encourage desired behavior and negative reinforcement to decrease problem behavior. The therapist will help your child set specific goals. Together, they will determine the rewards for achieving these goals and decide on the consequences for not reaching the goals. Patience is the key to behavior modification therapy. Your child has already set up a pattern of negative behavior, and seeing positive results could take many months.
Individual Therapy
Individual psychotherapy or counseling sessions can be helpful in training your child to manage anger, improve communication, control impulsive behavior and improve problem-solving skills. Your child will also work on overcoming negative thinking patterns. Children with ODD tend to see nearly everything in a negative light, while many ADHD children have been demoralized by struggling to meet expectations of themselves and others. A therapist should help your child to transform his negative outlook into more positive, realistic expectations.
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