Little is known about the specific causes or effective treatments for ODD, except that the outcome is usually poor because these children are extremely uncooperative, defy authority, and adamantly refuse to change. Parents must be patient and be sure not to be overly restrictive with these children which will result in the enhancement of this power struggle.

Individual Psychotherapy:
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy is used to improve problem solving skills, communication skills, levels of negative thinking and actions, and anger management skills

Family Therapy:
Improves communication within the family, reduces the power struggle, and attempts to develop more effective parenting strategies

Social Skills Training:
Improves frustration tolerance with peers

Parent Training Programs:
Teaches parents specific skills to manage the child’s behavior