New Lifehouse Academy understands that you want to find help now for your teen girl who struggles with Oppositional Defiance Disorder. Please take a moment to look over this article, and then give us a call, (918) 435-8206.
Symptoms and Treatment:
Oppositional Defiance Disorder, or ODD, is a psychiatric disorder that can emerge in childhood, in which she exhibits challenging behaviors, constantly disobeys you and, to put it simply, is basically in a nasty mood (especially when around anyone in authority).
The typical behavior of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) includes arguing with adults, losing their temper, actively defying rules and instructions, blaming others for their own mistakes, and being angry, resentful and easily annoyed. The DSM IV manual of psychological disorders describes Oppositional Defiant Behavior as a repetitive pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others, major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated as manifested by three or more of the following symptoms over a 6 to 12 month period:
- Aggression to people and animals
- Destruction of property
- Deceitfulness or theft
- Serious violations of rules
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) usually becomes evident before age 8 years and not later than early adolescence. It is more common in families which at least one parent has a history of mood disorder, ADHD, and where there is serious marital discord. There are many reasons for defiance in youths; some live in poverty stricken environments, deal with physical, emotional, verbal, mental and physical abuse that causes them to react.
While many teens exhibit some of these characteristics at various times, if your daughter is excessively insolent, deliberately disruptive or aggressive, visibly irritable, always arguing with authority, vindictive, maybe even blaming others for her mistakes, she might be struggling with ODD.
Helping Girls with Oppositional Defiance Disorder is Why We’re Here
Left untreated, ODD is a very frustrating condition, both for you and your daughter. It is important to identify this Disorder properly, in order to ensure that her behaviors do not worsen, possibly leading to problems with authorities, or violent or self-destructive behaviors.
In addition to possibly having other, treatable conditions (i.e.: ADHD or depression), ODD can be a precursor to other, more severe problems such as acute delinquency, conduct disorder and risky behavior.
Effective behavioral therapy will focus on how to prevent problematic thoughts or behaviors from unknowingly being reinforced. Positive reinforcement and praise for appropriate behaviors are key elements in successful treatment.
New Lifehouse – Helping Your Teen Girl See Greater Possibilities in Life.
The experienced, trained staff and therapists at New Lifehouse Academy want to help you and your struggling teen girl.
We are a lower cost Christian boarding school designed for troubled or misbehaving girls, ages 14-18. Our goal is to provide teenage girls and their families with the tools and resources to help them begin to thrive academically, relationally and spiritually. We help once troubled girls begin living a fulfilling life, equipping them to become happy, confident, self-reliant and successful adults.
Teen Challenge Oklahoma’s New Lifehouse Academy is nestled at the foothills of the Ozarks near Grand Lake on a 40-acre picturesque and peaceful property, with access nearby to over 900 acres of property with a large creek, wooded hills and trails.
Again, if your teen girl needs help with Oppositional Defiance Disorder, please call us at (918) 435-8206. We can help her be better prepared to meet life’s challenges and become a whole young woman.
