What Is The Best Medication For Children With ADHD And ODD?

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is defined by patterns of an angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness. Specifically, these behaviors and emotions are targeted toward authority figures, such as parents and teachers. Parents of kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder who notice behavior problems in their child may wonder if they also have ODD or another disorder. Alternatively, your child may already be diagnosed with ODD. In either case, you might wonder what the best treatment options are for a child with both conditions. So, what is the best medication for a child with ADHD and ODD? 

In this article, we'll discuss whether or not a child can have both ODD and ADHD, if ADHD and ODD are connected, and how to treat combined ODD and ADHD. Then, we will discuss the best medication for ODD and ADHD, as well as what else can promote better behavior in kids and other information parents might want to know. 

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How Are ADHD and ODD Symptoms Treated?

The CDC recommends that ADHD is treated using a combination of therapy and ADHD medication. Often, ADHD treatment involves parent training in behavior management (also called parent management training or parent training) or individual behavioral therapy for the child in addition to FDA-approved medication options such as central nervous system stimulants.

For ODD symptoms, professionals often recommend various types of behavioral therapy. Forms of therapy used for treating oppositional defiant disorder include but aren't limited to parent training, cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, and family therapy. If ODD is left untreated, bad behavior can worsen, so it is critical that children with ODD can access care. ODD in childhood is also linked to other conditions, like personality disorders, later on in life. 

There is no medication created specifically for ODD treatment at this time, but medication can be an important part of a child's treatment plan.

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Best Medication for ADHD and ODD 

ADHD symptoms may be more difficult to manage in kids with comorbid ODD. Studies suggest that children with ADHD and ODD who take stimulant medication indicate that they feel better behaved, making it a viable option for kids with both ODD and ADHD. Stimulant medication is an effective treatment for 70-80% of those with ADHD and can promote better learning, self-esteem, and social interactions or connections as well as improvements in a child's behavior. 

Stimulant medication options include but aren't limited to:

• Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts)
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)

Non-stimulant medication options, such as Strattera for ADHD, can also treat symptoms. Some children with an ODD diagnosis or conduct problems also benefit from atypical antipsychotic medication. Medical professionals working with children with ODD have clinical experience and will prescribe or recommend pharmaceutical treatments when the benefits outweigh the risk.

Are ADHD And ODD Connected?

As mentioned, it is possible for a child to live with ADHD and ODD, but are the two conditions connected? Statistics suggest that the answer is "yes." Kids with ADHD are at a significantly higher risk of ODD. In fact, it is indicated that up to 60% of kids with ADHD also have ODD. In addition to or outside of an ADHD diagnosis, other factors can increase the likelihood of a child living with ODD. These include both genetic and environmental factors, such as family history and household environment. Thankfully, it is possible to treat ADHD and ODD symptoms at the same time.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Pediatricians can diagnose ODD, as can other medical or mental health professionals. For example, psychiatrists. To discuss a potential diagnosis of ODD with your child's doctor, make an appointment so that you can go over their symptoms in depth with the provider. Before confirming a diagnosis of ODD, a medical or mental health professional will rule out other possible causes of a child's symptoms, such as other behavioral or mental health conditions. As far as treatment goes, pediatricians and psychiatrists will usually be able to give parents referrals for behavioral therapy to treat ODD, whether alongside or independent of prescription medicine. If you have concerns about the side effects of medication options used to treat your child, discuss them with your child’s prescribing physician. 

Can a Child Have ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Many children with ADHD have coexisting conditions, which may also be called comorbid or co-occurring conditions. It is possible for a child to live with both ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder. ODD isn't the same as conduct disorder, though some symptoms may overlap. Diagnostic criteria for oppositional defiant disorder indicate that a child must experience at least four symptoms from the following categories for six months or more in order for a medical or mental health professional to diagnose them with the condition.

Anger/Irritable Mood

• Loses temper often. 
• Is often easily annoyed or "touchy."
• Child is frequently angry and resentful.

Argumentative/Defiant Behavior

• Argues with adults (in kids and teens) or authority figures often
• Frequently refuses to comply with rules or actively defies requests from authority figures.
• Deliberately annoys others often.
• Often blames other people for their behavior or mistakes.

Vindictiveness

• Has acted in a vindictive or spiteful manner at least twice in the past six months.

For kids aged five years or older, The behavior will occur at least once per week for kids aged five years or older. In kids aged five years or below, it will occur on most days. Additionally, for a diagnosis to take place, ODD symptoms must lead to distress in the individual or other people in their immediate social context (e.g., family members) or impact educational, occupational, social, or other important areas of functioning negatively. If your child's behavior suggests that they may have an oppositional defiant disorder, make sure that you consult with a medical or mental health professional. Once oppositional defiant disorder is diagnosed, a child can be appropriately treated for ODD symptoms.

Takeaway

A child can have both ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder. In fact, it is common that ADHD and ODD go together. Thankfully, they can also be treated at the same time. Kids with ODD frequently benefit from individual and family therapy. In some instances, ADHD medication may help with a child's behavior in addition to general ADHD symptoms. There is nothing to be ashamed of if your child lives with ODD. The first step to getting help for your child is to get a proper diagnosis. Consult with your child's doctor for individual medical advice and treatment options.