Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Support Group

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) an ongoing pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures that goes beyond the bounds of normal childhood behavior. When a child cannot seem to control his anger or frustration, even over what seems to be trivial or simple to others, the child will often react in violent or negative ways to his own...

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Children's Mental Health
/ Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Support Group

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deleted_user
deleted_user
I am new to this but need support. As a licensed counselor I have been trying to help my 8 year-old son on my own and coach my husband along the way. This has proven to be a bad idea because I am so tired and emotionally drained. We are finally at the point of making the dr. appt. to have him evaluated for medication. He suffers from ADHD and ODD. I need some help in regards to what has proven to be effective for some of you in this community. We are exhausted after doing this for so many years with him. We have only been using behavioral interventions (ex. positive/negative reinforcement, behavior charts, etc.) Anyway, HELP if you can or at least give me some hope that this will resolve itself at some point.
deleted_user
deleted_user
the first step is getting a good therapist or docter. you have done that, sounds like you have done a good job, but these kids can wear you down to nothing, we just started using charts that can easily be changed to meet her needs and when something quits working, we are getting ready to go see a new docter. there are no meds for ODD, so it is tough, I bought some books that were really helpful, find a good support system for yourself, hang in there. all you can do is take it one day at time,, good luck,
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thanks for the support. He has not received an official diagnosis yet, but through my professional experience and knowledge, I am certain that this is what he has. I am just hoping that the meds will help with the ADHD portion of the problem. We will work through the rest. Anyway, thanks for your reply. It is just nice to not feel so alone.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Good luck. You've been doing what so many people find so hard to do. If you've been consistant and strong, (I'm sure you have) then you need to start talking about meds. My son is 5 and for ADHD he's on Focalin XR and Risperdol. Focalin for us is great because it doesn't really build up in his system the way that other meds do. It just works for the 8 hours and then flushes out of his system. The side effect was that he didn't eat for 8 hours. This controlled his add but not his temper. The risperdol does that (he's on .25 mg a day) The side effect of this is weight gain. Lucky for us, that meant that he finally started eating during the day.

The next step is a long road of trying things and changing until you find a combination of meds and behavior mods that will work for you.

You can do it, remember, you're your son's advocate. Be proactive.
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