Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment for Teens

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a condition characterized by an “ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant and hostile behavior toward authority figures,” according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP). The disorder disrupts a child’s ability to function both at home and at school, but there are a number of possible treatments for teens diagnosed with ODD.

Medications

Some psychiatrists recommend either atypical antipsychotic medications, such as Abilify and Seroquel, or psycho-stimulant medications, such as Ritalin, to treat ODD, according to Oppositional Defiant Disorder.org.

Psychotherapy

Individual psychotherapy treatment focuses on teaching the teenager how to process and express his emotions in productive ways.

Family Counseling

Family counseling can help improve the teenager’s relationship with his parents and siblings by creating a forum where all are able to talk to and understand each other.

Parent Management Training

When parents have been trained specifically in proven techniques for dealing with an ODD teenager, the parent becomes more effective with the teen. Techniques include effective discipline and avoidance of power struggles.

Social Skills Training

Training in social skills can be helpful for teenagers with ODD to learn how to interact appropriately and productively in social settings with adults and peers.