Summarize the following:
If your child's defiance is extreme and persistent, they may have Oppositional Defiant Disorder. You will need a diagnosis from a psychiatrist to confirm this and clinical talk therapy to treat it. The classic symptoms of ODD include consistently irritable mood, an extreme tendency toward argumentativeness, impulsivity, vindictiveness, and significant behavioral problems at school. ODD is often accompanied by antisocial behavior and self-harm. The symptoms of ODD generally begin to show before the age of 8. The symptoms should persist for a least six months before a diagnosis can be made. ADHD is an increasingly common diagnosis for children with persistent behavioral problems. You will need a diagnosis from a psychiatrist to confirm this. There are a host of cognitive and talk therapies designed to treat ADHD as well as stimulate medications like Ritalin and Adderall. ADHD is typified by a persistent inability to stay focused. It can also be accompanied by hyperactivity, absent-mindedness, forgetfulness, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Talk to your children regularly so you know what is going on in their lives. Acting out may be related to stress they are experiencing unrelated to the current situation. For example, maybe they are being bullied or are bored with what they are being taught. This can lead to behavior similar to ADHD. Persistent defiance can be a sign of traumatic stress in children. The cause of trauma can be physical like abuse, bullying, or experiencing a car crash or more emotional like going through a parental divorce or the death of a family member. If your child is expressing bad behavior because of traumatic stress, you will likely need to see a therapist for more information about causes and treatment. A sharp change in behavior and mood after a potentially traumatic event is an obvious sign that it is linked to the event. Anti-social behavior, mood swings, and a loss of cognitive skills problem-solving are also warning signs that bad behavior is linked to trauma. Speaking to a therapist will help get to the real issues behind your child's behavior. Medications can just keep symptoms at bay.
Know the signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Know the signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Know the signs of trauma.