In some cases, your child may join you in this training, so everyone in your family develops a consistent approach and shared goals for how to handle problems. A mental health professional with experience treating ODD can help you develop parenting skills that are more consistent, positive and less frustrating for you and your child. If your child also has other conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety disorders or depression, medicines may help improve these symptoms. Medicines alone generally aren't used for ODD unless your child also has another mental health condition.
It's important to also treat any other problems, such as a mental health condition or learning disorder, because they can cause or worsen ODD symptoms if left untreated. Treatment often lasts several months or longer. But treatment may include other types of talk therapy and training for your child - as well as for parents. Treatment for oppositional defiant disorder primarily involves family-based interventions.
