ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by impulsive and hyperactive and/or inattentive behaviors.
ODD is a behavior disorder marked by behaviors that are uncooperative, defiant, and at times hostile.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning that it affects the growth and development of the brain.
Verywell / Laura Porter
The two disorders cause different symptom profiles, some of which can overlap.
Children with ODD are also prone to throwing tantrums, but those tantrums are more likely to become physicallyaggressive.
The child may refuse to comply with requests to apologize or blame others for their own mistakes.
ODD usually resolves by age 18 but can persist into adulthood both on its own or along with ADHD.
While they may occur together, they are diagnosed separately according to their individual criteria.
Treatment often involves addressing each condition separately when they occur together, but there can be overlap.
They are also more likely to engage in aggressive or criminal behaviors than people with ADHD or ODD alone.
Starting treatment from an early age reduces these risks.
Medication
Medication is not effective for treating the core symptoms of ODD.
The goal of behavior modification is to learn or strengthen positive behaviors and eliminate ones that are unwanted.
It also involves forming developmentally appropriate consequences for misbehavior.
Behavior modification may be carried out by therapists, teachers, parents, or other caregivers.
Behavioral parent training is widely considered the first-line treatment for children with ODD.
Therapy
Individual, family, and peer group therapy can be helpful for ADHD and/or ODD.
take a stab at ensure this space is used for self-regulation, not punishment.
Recognize when you are reaching your limit.
Summary
ADHD and ODD are separate conditions but often occur together.
Medication is often helpful for ADHD but rarely used for ODD alone.
Several forms of therapy are useful for both disorders.
Early intervention is associated with more successful treatment.
Routine, consistency, clear expectations, and consequences are key to parenting children with ADHD and/or ODD.
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