ADHD vs. ODD: Similarities and Differences

 

If your child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is not uncommon for them to have other conditions at the same time. These are called comorbidities. Opposition Defend Disorder (ODD) is one such case. In fact, ODD is the most common comorbidity with ADHD. Experts believe that four out of 10 children with ADHD also have ODD.

Here's a look at what happens when your child has ADHD and ODD at the same time.

What are ADHD and ODD?

ADHD is a type of mental disorder that affects millions of American children and often lasts well into adolescence. If your child has ADHD, it can cause a combination of problems such as:

Lack of attention

Hyperactivity

Impressive attitude

ODD is a type of behavioral disorder most commonly diagnosed in childhood. If your child has ODD, they tend to:

Uncooperative

Deviant

Aggressive

Both conditions may appear the same as some symptoms may overlap. But the reasons are usually different. For example, ADHD is mostly a genetic condition and is often passed on to family members. Children with ADHD find it difficult to control their behavior.

In contrast, ODD is often a learned behavior or developmental problem. If your child quickly loses his temper, argues too much, destroys property, or deliberately annoys others, it is often a sign of a more serious condition associated with antisocial behavior.

What are the similarities?

Both conditions involve changes in brain chemistry that cause symptoms such as uncontrollable, affective, or aggressive behavior. Both conditions are more common in boys than in girls.

Your child's symptoms persist for at least 6 months before the doctor can diagnose ADHD or ODD.

It is easy to confuse and ignore both ADHD and ODD as common behaviors in young children or adolescents. But children with these conditions do not tend to "grow" through these stages as easily as their peers. Some symptoms may subside with age, especially if the condition is mild to begin with. But for some children with severe forms of ADHD and ODD, these behaviors can never go away.

ADHD symptoms may include:

Short attention span

Engage easily

Making reckless mistakes

To forget

Difficulty concentrating on time consuming tasks

It's hard to manage.

Can't sit still

Stutters constantly.

Talking too much or interrupting the conversation

A slight sense of danger

Working without thinking

Common ODD symptoms include:

Anger over and over again

Arguing with adults

Refuse to do whatever an adult or competent person asks

Always questioning rules

Refusal to follow the rules

Working to make others angry or upset

Blaming others for wrong behaviors or mistakes

Getting angry easily with others

Working with anger

Speaking harshly or rudely

Is seeking revenge

These symptoms can lead to low self-esteem and make it difficult for your child to make and keep friends. They may also perform poorly at school. Children with ODD can take action against other children, parents, teachers and anyone they see as an authority figure.

If your child has both ADHD and ODD, it is possible that they have some or all of the symptoms of any condition. If you are unsure or confused about what is happening, talk to your child's doctor.

What are the differences?

The main difference is that with ADHD, your child usually has difficulty concentrating and is very active. With ODD, your child is distracted, irritable and angry.

Symptoms of ADHD appear when your child is 12 years of age or younger. For some, it may start at 3 years of age. But the symptoms of ODD appear much earlier - usually before the age of 8, and often when they are younger. But your child can still show symptoms when they are in their teens.

For the most part, ADHD is genetic. This means that if your child has ADHD, it is likely that a close relative will also have it. It is important to note that poor parenting or too much screen time does not cause ADHD.

But experts believe that ODD is due to developmental problems or it may be a learned behavior. This means that your child may have ODD because they reflect negative attitudes, such as inconsistency or strict discipline, from parents and teachers. They can do this to get your attention or response.

Your child may also be more likely to have ODD if their family life is a family history of chaos and mental disorders and drug use.

Can you take ADHD and ODD together?

Yes. Whether your child has ADHD or ODD, it is normal to have another condition at the same time. Although experts aren't sure why this happens, they note that if your child has ADHD, it can worsen their ODD symptoms, and vice versa.

This is because when ODD symptoms such as deviation and aggressive behavior are combined with ADHD problems such as lack of attention, motivation, and hyperactivity, the behaviors can become interdependent and powerful. ۔ If your child has both conditions, they can be difficult to treat. But if you get rid of the symptoms as soon as possible, it can lead to better results in the long run.

Why do you have ADHD and ODD together?

Experts aren't sure why the two terms are so often linked. But they have some common risk factors, such as:

Genetics

Learned behavior.

Psychological problems

Your child's developmental problems can occur when he is young.

Problems of domestic life

How is ADHD and ODD diagnosed?

There are no specific tests to diagnose both ADHD and ODD. But if your baby shows symptoms of both conditions for more than 6 months, talk to your doctor about it.

They will perform laboratory tests and blood tests, and perform a detailed medical examination to rule out any medical illness, injury, or side effects of the medication. If the doctor is unable to find a physical cause for your child's symptoms, they may refer your child to a licensed mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. These healthcare professionals are trained to diagnose and treat mental health problems, especially in children and adolescents.

They may use exclusive interviews and questionnaires to observe and review your child's overall behavior and attitudes. You or other authority figures in your child's life, such as teachers or coaches, may also need to report anything you have noticed. This can help experts make an accurate diagnosis.

ADHD and ODD: treatment options

If your child has been diagnosed with both ADHD and ODD, you are no longer treating just one problem. The doctor may prescribe treatment as soon as possible and prescribe several methods. This may include:

Parental training. This is where you are taught how to strengthen your relationship with your child, and learn helpful ways to manage their behavior. This is usually the first line of treatment. This may include:

Positive support methods

When to ignore your child's demands or behavior.

How to use rewards effectively

Appropriate methods for timeout or punishment

You may notice an improvement in your child's behavior within 3-6 years of starting them.

Collaborative Troubleshooting (CPS). It helps children with ADHD and ODD learn how to be more flexible, manage frustration, and adapt more easily. Through CPS, you and your child can learn to find solutions or to discuss decisions that you both agree on. This can help resolve disputes and facilitate difficult attitudes.

Family therapy. When your child has both ADHD and ODD, it can affect your whole family. Going to therapy together can help everyone deal with the developmental issues of child rearing, and work together to find solutions.

School Behavior Support. Schools can offer collaboration programs to provide behavioral support for your child. This may include:

Clear and consistent rules and consequences for inappropriate behavior

Positive rewards for good behavior

A collaborative approach between teachers, school staff and parents, especially if your child has severe behavioral problems.

One on one tuition. Research shows that one-on-one tuition on classroom learning can help reduce ADHD and ODD symptoms.

Treatment. Studies show that ADHD medications, often referred to as psychostimulants, are effective in treating both ADHD and ODD symptoms, especially when they are taken together. They can help your child become more attentive and less antisocial and aggressive.

Medications are not a cure, but they can help improve your child's daily life. Experts have found that the combination of medications used to treat hyperactivity, speed, and behavioral problems is effective in the long run, and that the unwanted side effects do not last long.

Tell your doctor if you notice any side effects.

What is takeaway?

If your child shows symptoms of ADHD and ODD, first aid is key. Don't wait for help, or wait for your child to start on the therapy or medication prescribed by their doctor. Getting help early is essential for the happiness and well-being of your entire family.

Both conditions can work well into adolescence, but treatment can help reduce some of the symptoms and help your child overcome them. Educate yourself as much as possible. It can help you learn tips and tricks to improve your child's life as well as your relationship with them.

If you feel overwhelmed, contact a support group. That way, you can contact other parents or carers of children with ADHD and ODD who have had similar experiences. They can give a sense of community.