Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder

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About Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a developmental behavioral condition where a child continuously defies and disobeys their parents, teachers and other figures of authority. Solstice Pacific treats adults suffering from unresolved or undetected Oppositional Defiant Disorder. From argumentative to rage, a person’s personal and professional life can follow a pattern of disruption and chaos because the individual cannot seem to follow rules and is often aggressive and/or unkind.

If your loved one displays this kind of malevolent behavior for longer than six months, they should be medically assessed for the condition. This is especially true if the behavior is disrupting their ability to function at school, home or in friendships.

Symptoms of Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder:

Signs that an adult might have the condition include:

  • Temper tantrums
  • Blaming others for their own inappropriate behavior
  • Irritable mood
  • Use of unkind and hurtful words towards others
  • Vindictive and malevolent intent in words and actions
  • Physical aggression towards others and bullying

Why There Is Hope for Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Early treatment for ODD can prevent future problems in the person’s life. While there is no one-size-fits-all cure for the disorder, there are various forms of therapy that can improve quality of life and avoid further pain.

Helping A Loved One with Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder - Early Intervention

Adults with ODD will find it difficult to make friends at school and get along with others. If you notice your loved one acting out aggressively, for longer than 6 months, it may be necessary to schedule an assessment.

How We Treat Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder

ODD is understood to be a potential outcome of developmental problems, so various types of therapy may be necessary to address the underlying causes of the disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy is helpful in that it teaches appropriate tools of communication, especially in the expression of anger or fear. CBT also helps condition problem-solving tactics that can help men and women walk through anger and frustration. Even more, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques help those who want to heal by gaining a sense of body, space and emotion without judgement towards self.

A person with ODD can be distressing for their entire family. Spouses or parents may be frustrated because their loved one will not listen or they have been subject to physical violence at the hand of the affected person. Family therapy can help facilitate effective communication. Some research shows that ODD can be a result of too much negative reinforcement parenting. The individual knows that their disruptive behavior gets them attention. This pattern can carry into adult and geriatric stages of life. Family therapy can empower individuals to use positive reinforcement tactics and boundaries so that everyone is respected and safe.

Group therapy is helpful when it comes to learning acceptable social behaviors in a real-world setting. Solstice Pacific will tailor your treatment plan and provide outlets for stress and worry.

Finally, assessing gut health and neurotransmitter metabolites can bring insight into what specific imbalances may be causing behavioral issues. Treatment requires an integrative approach to ensure long-term safety for patient and family.

What Ongoing Care Looks Like for Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder

It’s important for anyone with ODD to learn how to deal with anger and how to interact in social settings. Keeping a healthy treatment plan, complete with an ongoing network of mental health professionals, will ensure empowered living, rather than history repeating into further fear and worsening conditions.

Symptoms of Adult Oppositional Defiant Disorder:

Signs that an adult might have the condition include:

  • Temper tantrums
  • Blaming others for their own inappropriate behavior
  • Irritable mood
  • Use of unkind and hurtful words towards others
  • Vindictive and malevolent intent in words and actions
  • Physical aggression towards others and bullying