If your child has ODD it is important to know there are other co-existing problems. These other problems usually must be addressed before you can begin to help your child with ODD.

Prognosis

So what happens to these children? There are four possible paths.

1.Some will grow out of it. Half of preschoolers that are labeled ODD are normal by age of 8. However, in older ODD children, 75% will still fulfill diagnostic criteria later in life.

2.The ODD may turn into something else. 5-10 % of preschoolers with ODD have their diagnosis changed from ODD to ADHD. In some children, defiant behavior gets worse and these children eventually are diagnosed with Conduct Disorder. This progression usually happens fairly early. If a child has ODD for 3-4 years and he hasn't developed Conduct Disorder, then he won’t ever develop it.

3.The child may continue to have ODD without any thing else. This is unusual. By time preschoolers with ODD are 8 years old, only 5% have ODD and nothing else.

4.The child develops other disorders in addition to ODD. This is very common.

Treatment

Most of these children have some other disorder along with their ODD. Treating this other disorder is key to proper ODD management. This frequently means giving medication. Although this type of medical intervention does not make children "normal", it can make a big difference. It often allows other non-medical interventions to work much better.

For example, if a child has both ODD and ADHD, then giving child Ritalin may have a significant effect on his ODD, also. This positive effect does not seem to be related to severity of ADHD. That means even if child has mild ADHD and could do without Ritalin, if he is treated medically, you might see an improvement in his ODD.

Once other problems are under control, best treatment for ODD is parent training. In a study published in 1998, eighty-two research studies were evaluated were examined for efficacy. Approaches focusing on parent training were most affective techniques.

The main point is that some parent-training program is essential in addressing ODD. This is not going to work for everyone, but it is best treatment that we have available for ODD.

Advice to Parents

That is with regard to your child. If your child has ODD you need to take care of yourself, also. No child needs a martyr as a parent.

Here are some of things you can do:

·Maintain interests other than your child with ODD. You have to be a person.

·Try to work with and obtain support from other adults (teachers, coaches, and spouse) dealing with your child.

·Take time to work on your relationship with your spouse. Raising these children is very difficult and can put a strain on best of marriages.

·Manage your own stress with exercise and relaxation.

·Take frequent vacations. This is a must.

Conclusion

It is tough to live with children who have ODD. What is worse is that there does not seem to be any cure. However, if you make sure that your child has his other problems addressed and you improve your parenting skills by enrolling in a parent training program, you can do a great deal to improve your child’s condition and your own.

Anthony Kane, MD

ADD ADHD Advances

Look Out Great Bod Here I Come

1. Do not eat after 9 P.M. 2. Eat only when you are hungry. Experts contend that people have a tendency to over eat when they are nervous or depressed. So before you put that slice of pizza in your mouth, make sure you’re really hungry and not just having a bad day. 3. Do not eat in front of tv or at computer. 4. Eat smaller portions. You can train yourself to eat less by putting your food on a smaller plate. 5. Weigh yourself daily. 6. Drink plenty of water. 7. If you INSIST on having a snack, reach for something nutritional, such as an apple. Okay, if you’re really hungry, make that two apples.

Breakfast

6 ounces of salmon 1 apple or fruit of your choice 1 8 0z glass of water

Lunch Salad (If you must spread on a dressing, make sure it low in fat and calories). Lemon juice is a perfect alternative. Fruit of your choice A hamburger without cheese, mayo or mustard is a must have. Moreover, fast food restaurants have an impressive supply of low cal entrees. So what are you waiting for? 1 8oz. Glass of water

Dinner 1 cup of raw strawberries. If you don’t like to eat them in their natural state, sprinkle on a sugar substitute for added flavor; 2 pieces of broiled chicken, 1 cup of beets or string beans; I 8 oz glass of water.

Snack

Although I don’t encourage snacking, I know that everyone reaches a point where they just have to have something to sink their teeth into. For you I recommend:

a sweet, juicy fruit: excellent choice; a peach or orange; 1 cup of Vanilla yogurt sweetened with Aspartame. Believe me when I say it tastes better than regular yogurt, but without extra calories; or try a saucer of delicious sugar-free ice cream. They come in a variety of flavors; ranging from cherry vanilla to chocolate swirl. There you have it, a diet that promises results if used correctly. Now put down that sandwich, you’re getting mustard all over keyboard. Say cheese!