ODD oppositional defiance disorder

Nurses General Nursing

Published

My daughter was recently dx with ODD-oppositional defiant disorder and ADHD--without the AD. Now I know you can treat the ADHD with medication but I was told (by the school counselor no less) that ODD is also treatable with anti-depressants? Has anyone heard of that? Or does anyone know of any other successful treatments for ODD?

Well, my daughter goes back to the Dr. on the 8th. She started on Adderall 5 mg. for 7 days, now is on 10 mg. She wanted to wait to start the extended release until she saw how she did on it. I am seeing some change, she is not climbing the walls anymore. When I went to the pharmacy to pick it up, the pharmacist says, "Oh, I see we fill your Ritalin and your son's also." I thought, WTF is it your business? I get so frustrated when people react to people on Ritalin like they could just simply solve their problems if they only tried and that they don't need meds. My son was failing in school because he had no concentration and within one quarter was straight A. You tell me what the problem was, the only thing we changed is started him on meds!! Didn't need intensive psychotherapy!!! He is like a different child. Just a little venting on the negative attitudes of people about ADD. It is a real diagnosis!! and a REAL disorder!

Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Just like a diabetic needs insulin or person with high BP blood pressure meds, persons with ADD/ADHD benefit from stimulant type medications.

When discussing my sons problems with then 89yo grandmother she said "that's just like my younest brother Joe". I always knew my Uncle had problem focussing on tasks and was a dreamer/deep thinker. As soon as my granmother mentioned him, I finally understood my Uncle. He ran a farm successfuly for 30 years after parents died. He struggled to read, has a wicked sense of humor and is a gentle soul, just like my son. It has affected him all his life ( he's now in late 70's) and I believe my son will need meds lifelong too.

Please be aware that Zyprexa (and Paxil as well) can cause weight gain (particularly awful for adolescents), and plan for exercise and healthy diets accordingly.

Specializes in med/surg & geriatrics.

(((((Robyn))))) My son is six. He has been diagnosed with both ADHD and ODD. If you want to you can pm me and I'll PM back with how we handle his difficulties. This is not your fault no matter how the schools try to make you feel. We have struggled with his schools since he was in K-4. Good luck and let me know if I can help at all.

+ Add a Comment