Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) usually starts before 8-12 years of age. Leading to serious problems at home, in school, or with peers. Children with ODD are more likely to act oppositional or defiant around people they know well, such as family members, a regular care provider, or a teacher.

Examples of ODD behaviors include :

• Often being angry or losing one’s temper

• Often arguing with adults or refusing to comply with adults’ rules or requests

• Often resentful or spiteful

• Deliberately annoying others or becoming annoyed with others

• Often blaming other people for one’s own mistakes or misbehavior

Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder (CD) is diagnosed when children show an ongoing pattern of aggression toward others, and serious violations of rules and social norms at home, in school, and with peers. These rule violations may involve breaking the law and result in arrest. Children with CD are more likely to get injured and may have difficulties getting along with peers.

Examples of CD behaviors include

• Breaking serious rules, such as running away, staying out at night when told not to, or skipping school

• Being aggressive in a way that causes harm, such as bullying, fighting, or being cruel to animals

• Lying, stealing, or damaging other people’s property on purpose

Treatment for disruptive behavior disorders

Starting treatment early is important. The first step is to meet a psychiatrist ,where a comprehensive evaluation needed to get the right diagnosis. For younger children, the treatment with the strongest evidence is behavior therapy training for parents, where a therapist helps the parent learn effective ways to strengthen the parent-child relationship and respond to the child’s behavior. For school-age children and teens, an often-used effective treatment is a combination of training and therapy that includes the child and the family.

ADHD Q & A

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a condition that’s quite common, and for many years, seen as a childhood disorder rather than affecting adults as well.

Children who have ADHD might be disruptive, as they’re hyperactive and continually run around at home and school. Other times children might be prone to staring out of the window oblivious to a teacher, friend, or parent who’s trying to communicate with them.

In many cases, children who have ADHD continue to encounter problems as they enter adulthood. ADHD symptoms in adults might change somewhat, but don’t disappear and continue to disrupt their life.

How does ADHD affect people?

ADHD can cause you difficulties that affect your ability to work, study, and maintain relationships. At school, you might have grades that are below what you’re capable of achieving. If you’re working, you might fail to make much progress in your career, or have a succession of unfulfilling jobs.

Interpersonal relationships can be challenging for people who have ADHD, and that includes being parents themselves. Managing a home and other responsibilities can be overwhelming, and it’s common for people who have untreated ADHD to self medicate by turning to substance abuse.

Trying to manage ADHD without any professional treatment or support puts a psychological and physical strain on you that can be emotionally taxing and make life a constant struggle.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

A professional diagnosis is essential if you suspect you or your child has ADHD because common symptoms of ADHD can also be a feature of other psychiatric disorders. These symptoms include:

• Poor focus

• Procrastination

• Distractibility

• Impulsivity

• Poor organization

ADHD also occurs alongside other mental health disorders, particularly substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. These disorders need diagnosing and treating if ADHD therapies are to be successful.

Diagnostic testing might involve psychiatric and psychological evaluation and computer testing, such as the Quotient test. Test results aren’t sufficient on their own to confirm a diagnosis of ADHD, so you must visit Psych Atlanta for a professional assessment as well.

Most people with ADHD respond to medications, most typically stimulants. These drugs can be beneficial but aren’t right for everyone, and can cause side effects. If stimulant medication isn’t right for you, there are other prescription medications available.

There are also nonpharmaceutical methods of managing the symptoms of ADHD, including psychotherapies, behavior modification, social and educational support, and lifestyle changes.

To find out more about living a happy, successful life with ADHD, call Psych Atlanta today or book an appointment online.

Your child is very important to you. When we see our children struggle with issues and problems in life, it can be heartbreaking.

Children May Need Help With Issues Requiring Special Attention

It is important for children to have someone to talk to at times, to help reassure them and occasionally assist them with more complex issues. In many cases, it is very helpful to have a professional counselor become a buffer between a child and their parent. This is not because a parent does not care deeply about their child, but rather that a professional can determine if there are issues requiring special attention. Some of the issues children face are:

• Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Clinical Depression

• Addiction

• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Poor School Grades / Performance

• Bullying

• Oppositional Defiance

• Power Struggles Within the Family System

• Divorce / Grief

We can help your child when they are struggling with one or more of these issues from an event in their life. Plus, we are able to get the proper professional involved if you believe your child may suffer from autism or Asperger’s Syndrome.

Our children are our most vulnerable and most delicate member of our families. It is important to get them the help they deserve. In many cases, it is easier for them to talk to a trained professional rather than one of their own parents. If the situation involves parenting issues, the parents are actively involved in their child’s therapy session.

As Children Grow Older, Their Mental Health Needs Change

Many older children become more concerned with their privacy and may not want their parents to know everything that is discussed. As strange as this may sound, it is a blessing to know what you need to know, while allowing your children to have private conversations with a qualified professional. In situations such as these, the parents are told of general issues rather than detailed information connected to specific situations. This allows the child a comfort level they need to open up to a counselor. Most parents understand their child’s need for privacy, which goes a long way to helping their child get through the issues at hand. Parents are encouraged to work closely with the professionals to determine the proper course of action for their child.

Once an appropriate plan is put together, the professional involved will help the entire family navigate the therapeutic process. This will involve sessions with the child and with the parents individually, as well as sessions together, so you as a parent are able to take part in helping your child steer their way to a life as a happy, functional adult.

We Are Here to Help Both the Child and the Parents

At Pattison Professional Counseling and Mediation Center, it is our objective to help both the child and the parents involved to have hope and a skill set to enable the child to have a happy and productive life. We all will work together to ensure that happens.

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