The Parents Toolbox for Extreme Behavior Disorders in Teens
Behavioral disorders disrupt not only the children who suffer from them, but all of the people around them. The two most common are oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Learn about them and how to deal with life as you care for your teen with a behavioral disorder.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a persistent pattern of defiant or hostile behavior. Approximately 15% of adolescents suffer from oppositional defiant disorder, and it usually affects boys more than girls. Treatment involves therapy with the teen and with the family as a whole to deal with the aftereffects of the behaviors. In some cases, medication is prescribed to reduce the irritability the teenager exhibits.