Boarding School, Troubled Teen, Struggling Teen-ADOLESCENT CRISIS TEAM

TIPS

Ask the program representative about their experience and treatment philosophies, if you do not agree you may not want to go any further with them. If you cannot support the programs ideas you, your child and the program will be in for long, frustrating process without the desired outcome.

Defiant Teen
All children are defiant from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults. Defiant behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents. However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child's social, family, and academic life.
In children with Defiant behavior, there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster's day to day functioning. Defiant behavior may include:

Frequent temper tantrums
Excessive arguing with adults
Active defiance and refusal to comply with adults requests and rules
Deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people
Blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
Often being touchy or easily annoyed by others
Frequent anger and resentment
Mean and hateful talking when upset
Seeking revenge
The symptoms are usually seen in multiple settings, but may be more noticeable at home or at school. Five to fifteen percent of all school-age children have defiant behavior. The causes of defiant behavior are unknown, but many parents report that their child with defiant behavior was more rigid and demanding than the child's siblings from an early age. Biological and environmental factors may have a role.
A child presenting with Defiant behavior should have a comprehensive evaluation. It is important to look for other disorders which may be present; such as, attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder) and anxiety disorders. It may be difficult to improve the symptoms of ODD without treating the coexisting disorder. Some children with defiant behavior may go on to develop called conduct disorder.
Treatment of defiant behavior may include: Parent Training Programs to help manage the child's behavior, Individual Psychotherapy to develop more effective anger management, Family Psychotherapy to improve communication, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy to assist problem solving and decrease negativity, and Social Skills Training to increase flexibility and improve frustration tolerance with peers.

A child with defiant behavior can be very difficult for parents. These parents need support and understanding. There is treatment options available for this disorder, please fill out our Request Information Form to receive free information.(American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry).

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Disclaimer: Adolescent Crisis Team is not responsible for the contents of any pages outside our control. Information contained in Adolescent Crisis Team Services or on any linked sites is not intended as medical advice. Its intent is solely informational and educational. The information is not a substitute for talking with your health professional. Readers are advised to exercise their own further informed review, judgment, and evaluation in the selection of any and all programs, services, and health information.