What Is Children’s Defiance Disorder?

Children’s defiance disorder is usually diagnosed in childhood. It is characterized by very difficult and defiant behavior, as the name suggests. A child’s constantly uncooperative, irritable, and irritated people close to them, whether they are parents, classmates, teachers, or even friends.

If you believe your child may be suffering from this disorder or have already been diagnosed with it, continue reading. In this article, you will learn more about the disorder and its treatment options.

Does my child have a child defiance disorder?

This behavioral disorder affects 1-16% of school-age children and is more common in boys than girls.

It is essential to distinguish between when symptoms occur with concern and when temporarily due to, for example, hunger, fatigue, stress, or exhaustion.

Defiant behavior can also be common when the child is 2-3 years old, in which case it may be part of a phase of change. It is very important to pay attention to whether defiant and awkward behavior is repetitive.

It requires treatment only when it impedes learning or interferes with lessons or friendships with peers.

General symptoms

The most common symptoms of children’s defiance disorder are:

• Outbursts of anger and anger.
• Ongoing disputes with people in the circle.
• Disobedience and questioning adult commands.

• Disruptive behavior towards others and sensitivity to irritation to other people.
• Cold and rude language.
• A vengeful attitude.

How is children’s defiance disorder treated?

1. Get the correct diagnosis

Children’s defiance disorder is easy to confuse with other behavioral disorders based on their symptoms. For this reason, the child should be taken to a doctor if the awkward behavior is repeated. Your doctor will be able to make the right diagnosis, after which you can start thinking about treatment options.

In most cases, parents and teachers are able to easily detect signs of the disorder in children. But a child psychiatrist or other mental health expert must evaluate the child by examinations and by looking at the child’s medical history.

2. Try therapy-based treatment

Many treatments are available. First, the child may undergo individual psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used to improve a child’s social and interpersonal skills as well as their impulse and emotional control.

It is also important to involve the whole family in the therapy, especially the parents. Family therapy promotes good communication and conflict resolution skills. Parents can also get mental and practical support from there, as the situation is often difficult.

On the other hand, family therapy also aims to treat this disorder from the root of the problem. As for the origins of this mental disorder, the information obtained from the studies currently refers to the patterns of behavior that the child has learned over the first couple of years from the people he or she respects. It is also often associated with, among other things, a lack of discipline, violence, traumatic and stressful situations, or a lack of family harmony. It is important for parents to keep this in mind and know that they can help in many ways.

3. Do not resort to medication until the last straw or to treat other concomitant disorders

Medications are not a common treatment for children’s defiance disorder as they can have a detrimental effect on health. However, in some cases, your doctor may prescribe antipsychotics after making an assessment.

This is especially the case if the child experiences aggressive behavior, the behavior worsens significantly, or no other treatment option seems to work. Medications may also be prescribed if a child becomes a threat or is at risk at home or school.

If children’s defiance disorder occurs alongside other behavioral problems, other types of medications may also be prescribed; these may include stimulants if the child has ADHD, or antidepressants for depressive and / or anxious episodes.

The main goal is to improve the child’s quality of life, but it is always important to also consider the side effects of medications.

Defiance disorder in children: a summary

A lot of effort and lifestyle changes are required from both the child and his or her family and other loved ones to promote the child’s recovery. This type of mental disorder can cause a lot of anxiety and despair for the whole child’s inner circle, as well as a constant feeling of helplessness. With the right care and a positive attitude from the whole family and teachers, children’s defiance disorder can be overcome.