Calabasas, CA – BNI Treatment Centers recently published a blog post shedding light on the difference between normal teenage behaviors and a mental health condition known as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). The symptoms between ODD and normal teen behavior can overlap, but there are a few symptoms that occur only in ODD. It is required for someone to have four of the following symptoms to receive a diagnosis: frequently losing one’s temper, angry and resentful, disobeying or challenging rules, blaming others when they misbehave, vindictiveness, being easily annoyed, arguing with authority figures, and deliberately irritating others.
“To receive an ODD diagnosis, this behavior needs to occur with people other than siblings. It also must happen at least once a week for 6 months. The behavior can’t take place exclusively due to outside forces, such as substance use or mood disorders. It must significantly impact the individual’s life and relationships. If these conditions are met, they may receive an oppositional defiant disorder diagnosis. It’s important to remember that even if these symptoms sound familiar, conditions can only be diagnosed by mental health professionals. If you suspect your teen has undiagnosed ODD, the next step is to seek psychological testing,” the blog post states.
The most significant difference between normal teenage behavior and ODD is how frequently the symptoms occur. Every teen might experience some of the symptoms of ODD occasionally. However, those who have this condition will have them more often and at a more a higher severity. For example, a teen might become angry and emotionally outburst when their parents deny their request to visit friends. Someone with ODD might have a more extreme reaction to this situation. For teens without this condition, denying their request might be a mild annoyance. Adolescents with ODD become disproportionately angry, even if the situation is considered minor by most people.
There are many treatment options and tips that parents can utilize to help their teen with this condition. Parent management training is an effective tool as parental involvement can have a significant impact on those with ODD. This involves remaining calm, setting clear, healthy boundaries for teens, and getting expert treatment to better manage their symptoms. Family therapy can also be beneficial. It shows the teen that their parents are serious about learning and understanding their situation better. It also makes the teen more open to treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common and effective treatment option for those with ODD.
“ODD is difficult to manage on your own. If you believe your teen has this condition, contacting a mental health provider is the best course of action. There is no exact protocol to treat ODD, as every adolescent is different. Your teen’s care should be individualized to address your family’s unique situation and the adolescent’s concerns. Comprehensive, customized behavioral health treatment is available and can help your family find peace and stability,” the blog post continues.
BNI Treatment Centers is located on Stokes Canyon Road. Its team is psychiatrist-led and can provide treatment for complex and co-occurring disorders for teens. Because it is owned and operated by psychiatrists, it can tailor all treatment plans for its clients and make quick changes if an aspect of treatment is ineffective.
To learn more about BNI Treatment Centers, call (888) 522-1504 or visit their website.
BNI Treatment Centers: Science-based, evidence-backed, compassion-led.
###
For more information about BNI Treatment Centers - Stokes, contact the company here:
BNI Treatment Centers - Stokes
Doug Jewell
424-365-1032
doug@bnitreatment.com
2563 Stokes Canyon Rd
Calabasas
CA
91302
