What does the future hold for a child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

By Mark Hutten, M.A.
Re: What does the future hold for a child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

The short answer is this: It depends on whether or not the child gets help. It was once thought that most kids would outgrow Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) by adulthood. We now know this is not always true.

While some of the symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder can go away over time, and while some kids do outgrow the disorder, many kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder will continue to experience the consequences of this condition during their later years.

For those who do not receive treatment, Oppositional Defiant Disorder can develop into Conduct Disorder, a more serious behavioral disorder. Of those with Conduct Disorder, almost 40% will develop Antisocial Personality Disorder in adulthood.

If your youngster is showing signs of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, it is very important that you seek help from a qualified professional immediately. Without treatment, kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder may experience rejection by classmates and other peers because of their poor social skills and aggressive and annoying behavior.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help these children learn how to cope with stressful situations and manage their behavioral symptoms. Psychotherapy, parent-management training, skills training, and family therapy work.

Research shows that kids and teens respond well to therapy for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. In fact, for those who receive treatment, many are symptom-free once therapy has concluded and will go on to lead rewarding and happy lives.

==> Help for Parents with Oppositional Defiant Children and Teens

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