What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder? Nature and Treatment

Defiant behavior in children, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), is among the leading reasons for referral of children to child mental health centers and is a major cause of parental distress in raising children. This lecture is based on Dr. Barkley's book, Your Defiant Child. He will discuss the nature of ODD as a two-dimensional condition (emotional dysregulation, social conflict) that arises both directly and indirectly out of the interplay of four major factors. The four factors are described in some detail along with the reciprocal nature of parent-child interactions involving noncompliance and defiance and the important role played by negative reinforcement in generating, sustaining, and even escalating the frequency and severity of such interactions through a process of family social coercion. The implications of this model for the management of child defiant behavior and parent-child conflicts will be discussed. Dr. Barkley will use his own parent training program, Defiant Children, to illustrate the methods that need to be conveyed to parents to treat ODD as well as the elements that are common to the effectiveness of all behavioral parent training programs.

This lecture is 1.1 hours in length.

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[christopherhunt]

Seeing and hearing this in my 50s, I now know the root of some of my own issues. Luckily I have been able to function in society without very harsh circumstances, but it explains a lot about my past behavior and mental state.

[kelseyalvesdorosario]

I have adhd and my daughter has ODD/adhd VERY hyperactive. Constant rollercoaster of emotions leaving me soooo burnt out and physically/mentally unable to be a proactive parent... Thank you for information and the programme sounds wonderful

[JayceeKovacek]

He explains how things like parent-child dynamics and negative reinforcement can create a cycle of defiance. Plus, he’ll share tips from his parent training program, Defiant Children to help tackle these challenges. If you're looking for more insights into managing ADHD and ODD, The ADHD Parenting Guide for Boys by Richard Bass has some solid strategies.

[lisagardner]

My 5 year old great nephew was recently diagnosed with ODD. He has already been suspended from Kindergarden numerous times for fighting with other students and even head butted his teacher. He was at my house for Christmas day and I had to ask them to leave after he destroyed my umbrella and jumped on the bed and was going to tear down the ceiling fan because he did not get his way. He was at my house for 4 or 5 hours and misbehaved the entire time, even having to be restrained several times because he was trying to hurt others. He sometimes screams at the top of his lungs when being told not to do something. The mother is my niece and she is a single mother. He is on medication and going to therapy so I am praying he will get better because his behavior is terrible.

[simoncasserley-gore]

The video was excellent, thanks. Where can I watch the follow up video with a guide to applying the correct parental approach?

[corpsmankind]

I have a nephew with ADHD and im thinking ODD after watching this. This video is really helpful 🙏

[jaybrown]

Such an in-depth video, this describes my 14 year old daughter who has had this diagnosis by a psychologist.this video is so real and helps me to understand her condition more. By the way, the tone of your voice is fine, the content of your message is what is important. Thanks again.

[colepeterson]

I was diagnosed with ODD as a kid but never got evaluated for ADHD or autism. My little brother is non-verbal autistic. Im a little bit irritated.

[TSpoon]

As someone struggling as a dad at home on my own 8 month adhd journey, this is one of the most difficult things I've listened to. Knowing how much is my fault in all of this is such a gut punch but very needed. Thank you as always for your work.

[nadiajahangiri]

Such a structured and informative talk about ODD. It made a lot of essential points more clear. Thank you, Dr. Barkley.

[Beeloved]

I was a defiant child due to lack of poor parenting skills. Simple mistakes such as spilling a glass of milk during dinner. Swift punishment was applied. The tools of punishment was a belt. Sitting in the garage. What destroyed my little heart the most was the destructive, 'silent treatment'. It has taken me decades to finally find my place of peace. Forgiveness is key! The discipline of Spiritual healing most beneficial!

[anastasiamurawski]

My son was diagnosed with ODD but if he has it, it is a mild form. He has never one to be violent or throw tantrums, he's a good kid mostly but just won't listen to adults. He has been in trouble with the law but no one was hurt, he didn't intend to hurt anyone in fact he takes out his frustrations on himself. He's so negative for someone so young, but so bright and good hearted too. Impulsivity is his biggest problem, he's his own worst enemy.

[stefaniewillmon]

That is exactly what we are dealing with. My son is 7 and he’s diagnosed ADHD. From the research I’ve done he has ODD as well. It’s exhausting. He’s behavior is influencing our 5yr old. He’s only happy if he gets what he wants. Everything is a fight, then he gets violent. He has fleeting moments of kindness, but for the part he destructive and argumentative. I’m struggling and tempted to send him to live with his Dad out of state. However, I know that’s not the answer. It’s so hard for me to remain calm when he’s so defiant. I’m taking it one day at a time. I’m learning as much as I can to help him and our family. Thank you for this video.

[evasantus]

My son and his wife have been most dedicated to caring for their son with adhd and odd. you have described exactly what their now 7 year old son is like. It is a happy clean home. My son is a very caring husband and father to their children.
I am nearing the halfway point of your talk and am saddened by the way you see parents. Not all are delinquent types. I hope the second half of your talk addresses the problems of ODD in good homes.

[rozannmoake]

Well, this all seems pretty accurate for my son and our family. I definitely feel like a crappy parent after listening though. I’ve tried everything I could think of for almost a decade and my son seems to be worse than ever. I’m completely lost as a parent.

[babybaby]

It helps me to understand my son from his infant time to now elementary student from listening to Dr Barkley, s video. Very informative and helpful video.

[colemansines]

The parenting is disruptive because of all the noncompliance of the child. The only thing consistent is that the child will argue at every turn, taking up time and resources until the parent is completely worn down and actually chronically traumatized. There is no help for the parent. The child is tested and diagnosed and the parent is never told the gamut of what this means or does in a family. They are just given a diagnosis and left to fend for themselves. Siblings are effected, no one understands what to do.

[jennifercooper]

Beautifully explained 👏
As a society we need to have early intervention and moreover PREVENTION. Evidence based parenting needs to be taught to ALL expecting parents. Just as commonly as we think of having baby showers and buying diapers, we need to view this preparedness as part of our normal parenting process. Just as readily as we relate McDonalds to fast food, we need to relate parenting education to expecting parents; to include identifying & addressing barriers for the parents such as underlying depression, patterns of abuse, socioeconomic condition, etc. As a society we are approaching parenting in a Wild West fashion with no blueprint and it doesn’t have to be that way. We need social programs for parent education that are widely implemented and are expectations of prospective parents. Do you realize the amount of time an expectant mother sits in the ob/gyn office over the course of her pregnancy??? This time alone could be capitalized upon in promising efforts toward improving positive outcomes for families. There is too much to lose to continue to leave ‘the blind to lead the blind’ so to speak. Even something as simple as teaching the Erikson model could have drastic changes. I know that my purpose on earth is to lay the groundwork for this and I’m working on it as we breathe. My dream is to have a blueprint and begin implementation within the next 7 years.

[Plasmafox]

My first thought when I hear someone's child has ODD is, "how long has their school been using isolation rooms and restraints on them?" I've seen how disabled children are treated in special ed, in group homes, in institution wards. Every single day you witness or are subject to violence. Safety and dignity are privileges and authority=abuser. They create a perfect traumatic environment for cultivating defiance, nihilism and aggression.

[MrsTinrib]

This is an excellent lecture, very informative and helpful. Thank you.