What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

The best way to treat a youngster with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) involves behavior management techniques, using a consistent approach to discipline, and following through with positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors. Here are the Do’s and Don’ts: Do's— 1. Do apply established consequences immediately, fairly and consistently. Be consistent and set down specific rules, because changing the rules mid-stream can be confusing to the ODD youngster. Be sure that BOTH parents are on-board with the same rules. 2. Do explain why you are disciplining the ODD youngster. Kids need not only to understand what they did wrong – but why it was wrong and what they should have done right. This also needs to be conveyed to them in a way that they will grasp. This allows the youngster to grow and not just stop the immediate behavior that is in front of you. 3. Do limit the time ODD kids can watch television, play video games, and listen to music. Sticking to these rul

Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) is specifically a pervasive pattern of disregarding and violating the rights of others. Diagnostic criteria for this disorder state that this pattern must include at least three of the following specific signs and symptoms: • A lack of feeling guilty about wrong-doing • Disregard for personal safety or the safety of others • Failure to think or plan ahead • Lack of conforming to laws, as evidenced by repeatedly committing crimes • Persistent lack of taking responsibility, such as failing to establish a pattern of good work habits or keeping financial obligations • Repeated deceitfulness in relationships with others, such as lying, using false names, or conning others for profit or pleasure • Tendency to irritability, anger, and aggression, as shown by repeatedly assaulting others or getting into frequent physical fights Other important characteristics of this disorder include the following: • it can’t be diagnosed if th

What's often tricky in parenting a defiant youngster is figuring out the "is this worth fighting for?" part – especially if you have to think fast. Defiant kids and teens often make a “game” out of getting into battles with their moms and dads, and if the parent gets tricked into playing this game, she finds herself in an endless stream of warfare. So, how can you avoid fighting every battle and save your time and energy for the ones worth fighting for? Here are some important tips for knowing which battles to fight – and which ones to let go of: 1. Ask yourself, “Will this battle fight itself?” There are some things that will get addressed by default – and you can stay totally out of it (which saves you from being the “bad guy”). For example, you may be tempted to continue to battle with your defiant child over his poor teeth-brushing habits, even when the two of you have had many past battles over this issue to no avail. Instead, give a final warning: “If yo