What is the relationship between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?
Parents often reach out to me for support when their otherwise bright, wonderful children behave in ways they find challenging, disrespectful, and unproductive.
Understandably, they want more calm and compliance – not to mention less arguing and stress! After all – if they would just…
What is often so frustrating is that the parents have tried love, logic, and intuition with little success. I thought it might be a helpful starting place to understand some of the basics about how ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder often co-exist – regardless of the parent’s love, dedication, and efforts.
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and affects about 9-10% of children and 2-5% of adults. It is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention, following through with tasks, and staying organized. They also tend to be easily distracted, impulsive and have trouble controlling their movements. ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood and can persist into adulthood. These symptoms can impact a person’s academic, social, and personal life. Adults are often diagnosed later in life when they recognize that their challenges may be due more to their neurobiology than their behavioral choices or willful actions.
The exact causes of ADHD are not yet known, but research suggests that they are a combination of genetic, environmental, and brain factors. Children with ADHD may have a family history of the condition and may have lower levels of certain neurotransmitters in their brains. Environmental factors, such as stress, poor nutrition, and exposure to toxins, can also increase the risk of developing ADHD.
ODD is a behavioral disorder that affects about 2-16% of children. It is characterized by patterns of hostile, disobedient, and defiant behavior towards authority figures such as parents, teachers, and other adults. Children with ODD often argue with adults, refuse to follow the rules, and display angry and defiant behavior. They may also be prone to losing their temper, breaking the rules, and engaging in physical aggression toward others.
The impact of ODD on the affected individual and their families can be significant. Children with ODD may struggle in school, have difficulty forming and maintaining positive relationships, and may even experience legal problems due to their behavior. In addition, parents and other caretakers of children with ODD may experience high levels of stress and frustration due to their child’s behavior.
It is not uncommon for children and adolescents with ADHD to also be diagnosed with ODD. Research suggests that children with ADHD are at increased risk of Emotional Dysregulation. Dr. Russel Barkley and others have found that children with ADHD may be up to 50% more likely to develop ODD due to the inherent dysregulation associated with ADHD. The co-occurrence of ADHD and ODD can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and well-being. It can also place tremendous stress on the family and the relationship between the co-parents.
Additionally, the attention and memory difficulties associated with ADHD can make it difficult for children to learn from their mistakes, exacerbating ODD symptoms. They may act impulsively without thinking about the consequences of their actions, which can lead to conflict with others. They may have trouble following rules and acting out in response to their difficulties completing tasks requiring sustained attention. They may also face additional stressors related to their disorders, such as poor academic performance, problems in relationships with others, and feelings of low self-esteem. These stressors can exacerbate their symptoms and lead to further challenges in managing their emotions and behaviors. They may also be at increased risk for developing other behavioral and emotional problems, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.
While behavioral therapy and medication are often recommended for children, Parent Coaching is one of the most important interventions. When parents don’t understand the social and emotional impact of ADHD, Executive Dysfunction, and ODD on learning, motivation, behavior, and the family system, they are left wondering:
“Am I enabling or supporting my child?”
“How can I set boundaries that are not so triggering but actually effective?”
“What kind of consequences can I set that will teach skills and not just be punitive?”
I often tell parents that, while parenting is hard, parenting a child with challenges requires a Black Belt in parenting – you need ADHD-specific knowledge, tools, strategies, and support from someone who is an expert in the social and emotional impact of ADHD, Executive Dysfunction, and ODD.
ADHD Parent Coaching helps parents to understand and manage their child’s defiant behavior and improve communication and relationships within the family.
Here are some resources that you may find helpful:
- Calm and Connected: Parenting Children & Teens with ADHD/Executive Function Challenges© parent workshop series
- 8 Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD by Cindy Goldrich
- ADHD, Executive Function, & Behavioral Challenges in the Classroom: Managing the Impact on Learning, Motivation, and Stress by Cindy Goldrich & Carly Wolf
- Private One-on-One Support
Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Thank you