Kids sometimes feel mad or say no. But some kids show more anger or oppositional behavior than others. This may be a sign of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Here, we will help you see the signs of ODD and what to do.

What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Parents often ask, “Is oppositional defiant disorder real?” Yes, it is a behavior disorder where a child often acts angry, argues a lot, and does not follow rules. These choices happen many times and for a long time. ODD in kids can make life hard at home, at school, and with friends. Sometimes people refer to this pattern as ODD syndrome.

ODD Symptoms in Children: Common Signs to Watch For

To meet ODD diagnostic criteria, you should look for these signs if they happen a lot and for many months. These represent the core ODD signs and symptoms:

• Often loses temper.
• Often argues with grown-ups.
• Refuses to follow rules or refuses requests.
• Blames others for mistakes.
• Deliberately annoys people or is spiteful.
• Is easily annoyed by others.
• Shows angry or angry-looking feelings most days.
• Says mean things or swears at others.

If you see many of these signs often, the child may need help.

How ODD Affects Home and School

ODD can make school hard. The child may get in trouble a lot. Teachers may find it hard to teach them. At home, fights and yelling may happen more. Friends may stop playing with the child. The child may feel lonely or sad inside. We focus on children, but unaddressed issues can lead to challenges with teenage ODD disorder later.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Causes

Doctors do not know one single cause. Many things can lead to ODD:

• A child’s brain and how it works.
• Stress at home, like big changes or fights.
• Trouble learning new skills for calm and talking.
• Bad habits that grow over time.

It is not the child’s fault. It is not always one parent’s fault either. With help, many children learn new ways to act.

ODD Treatment at Serenity Healthy Minds & Telemedicine Wellness LLC

We care for children and their families. Ethel Winfunke-Rochin, a board-certified nurse practitioner, leads our team. We offer caring help with medicine and support.
Oppositional defiant disorder treatments we provide:

• We do a full check to see how the child acts and feels.
• We make a plan with oppositional defiant disorder medication if the child needs it. Medication can help with mood and focus.
• We teach skills to help the child calm down and talk about feelings.
• We work with parents and schools to make plans that help the child succeed.
• We treat behavior problems in children age 6 and up.

We do not do walk-in crisis care or emergency visits. We do not diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder, but we can give a referral for an autism evaluation if needed. We also offer Telemedicine Wellness for busy families who need online care for stable concerns.

When to Seek Help

Call us or a doctor if:

• The child hurts themselves or others.
• The child is sad or worried most days.
• School work gets much worse.
• You feel unsafe at home.
• The hard behavior lasts for months and gets worse.

If there is a danger now, call your local emergency number right away.

What Parents Can Do at Home

You can help your child today with small steps:

• Give clear, simple rules. Keep them the same every day.
• Use small rewards for good choices. Praise even small wins.
• Stay calm during fights. Speak softly and set limits.
• Use a quiet time routine when feelings run high.
• Work with the school. Ask for help or plans that support your child.
• Take care of yourself. Parents need rest and help too.

What to Expect from Treatment

Help usually starts with a good check. Then we make a plan. This may include:

1. Meetings to learn the child’s needs.
2. A plan for behavior skills at home and school.
3. Medicine if it helps the child focus or stay calm.
4. Follow-up visits to see how the child is doing.

We use kindness and small steps. We teach both the child and the family new ways to handle anger and rules.

Final Thoughts

ODD can be hard, but most children can learn better ways to act. You are not alone. We at Serenity Healthy Minds & Telemedicine Wellness LLC want to help your child and your family. We listen without judgment. We work with you to find the best plan.
If you think your child may have oppositional defiant disorder symptoms, reach out. We offer careful evaluation, medicine management, and practical ways to help at home and school. We are here to support you and your child on the path to better days.

FAQs

Q. How do you help at Serenity Healthy Minds?

We meet with the child and family. We make a plan. We may give medicine and teach skills. We work with school too.

Q. Will medicine fix ODD?

Medicine can help some ODD symptoms like big anger or trouble focusing. It works best with behavior help.