Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Help for Parents
The American Psychiatric Association defines oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as a recurrent pattern of negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that persists for at least six months. ODD is usually diagnosed when a child has a persistent or consistent pattern of disobedience and hostility toward parents, teachers, or other adults.
Children with ODD are typically enrolled in behavioral health therapy to address the disruptive behaviors. In some cases, medication is also prescribed to help manage their symptoms. Often overlooked, parent education can also be a vital treatment tool. According to Cara Douglas, PCC-S, Clinical Therapist with Unison Behavioral Health Group, “Parent training is recommended for families of children with ODD because it has been demonstrated to reduce negative interactions that repeatedly occur between children and their parents.” Parent training usually consists of procedures in which parents are trained to change their own behaviors and thereby alter their child’s problem behaviors in the home.
Unison Behavioral Health Group offers a program aimed at improving the parent-child relationship. Unison’s seven week “Parenting Plus” group actively involves parents who wish to increase their parenting skills and raise responsible, happy, and productive children.
A recent participant in Unison’s parent training program shares, “My son was easily annoyed by his teachers, often lost his temper at home and at school, and refused to comply with rules and directions. He always blamed others for his mistakes. When he was diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, I sought assistance from Unison’s child psychiatrists and therapists. While they worked with my son on an individual basis, I took the time to enroll in the Parenting Plus Program. I learned strategies to manage my son’s behaviors that caused disruption and unhappiness in my home.”
Parents interested in learning more about Unison Behavioral Health Group’s Parenting Plus Program are encouraged to call 419-693-0631.
With over 35 years of experience, Unison Behavioral Health Group is the community’s recognized and preferred leader in caring for the behavioral health and substance abuse issues of adults, adolescents and children. Unison accepts Ohio Medicaid and most private insurances. Through their contract with the Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Lucas County, Unison is able to offer subsidized services to Lucas County residents who are unable to afford the total cost of treatment. Unison is certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services. Unison is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
Press Release Contact Name: Kitty Slight
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419.693.0631
Organization Name: Unison Behavioral Health Group
Website or Link: www.unisonbhg.org
Organization Address: 544 East Woodruff Avenue, Toledo, OH, 43604