please i need help?

Question

my daughter, 5 years old has been diag. w/ ODD. if the criteria had been around when i was a child i would have had the same thing. I know she APPEARS to heve a prob with athourity, but she dosn't. I KNOW THAT, because i never did either, even though i got introuble for it. i am afriad for her. there are certian concepts i can't get through to her. i ask her why did you do that? she says because. i say because why. she says that's because i allready told you why. i say no you didn't tell me why now please tell me why. she thinks "that's because" is why. this coul go on FOREVER! she's not arguing with me, but it brings the same frustrations as a child who is arguing, if she wasn't mine i would think she was. she always says " sarah dosn't want to be bad sarah wants to be good" I know she is, but she dosn't know that i know she is and it always ends with her in tears. i tell her, but she can't hear me through her pain. how do you explain the concept
so abstract, and so basic as why?

no no i understand that she thinks because is the answer to why. i get that. what i need help with is a good way to explain the concept in "five year old terms", because i'm at a loss. i know she dosn't have oppisitional defiant disorder, because i feel it. she wants to be good, she is good people just think she's bad because she can't put her feelings into words. the kids her age won't play with her the mothers won't let them even if they wanted to. it's breaking my heart. my older girl is completely well adjusted and gets invited every where. i'm just a confused mess. sorry.

Answer 1

According to the DSM-IV-TR a child with oppositional defiant disorder displays at least four of the following characteristics, which persist for 6 months or more.
often loses temper
often argues with adults
actively defies or refuses to comply
deliberately annoys people
blames others for their mistakes
is easily annoyed by others
is often angry and resentful
is often spiteful or vindictive
It sounds as though your daughter has heard the term BECAUSE used as an answer too many times. your daughter now feels that this word BECAUSE is and can be used to define an answer. Perhaps avoid using the word BECAUSE until she associates it differently. Also Sarah should refer to Sarah in first person not in second person. When she speaks she is talking about herself not someone next to her. It sounds like DID or dissociative identity disorder. Have your daughter seen by a well known and trusted physiologist or a medical doctor/psychiatrist
good luck to you and your daughter.

Answer 2

She is only 5, she thinks that "because" IS the answer because she hasesn't comprehended any thing else. I think you are expecting too much from your 5 year old. IMO you need a firm discipline system, a very loving home and time and attention going to your kids. I think Dr.'s will diagnose just about anybody with just about any new "illness" out there. After all, if we all weren't "ill" in some way, how would they continue to make a living??
Seriously, Sarah is FIVE, she isn't supposed to have an understanding of everything so clearly yet. Give her time.

Answer 3

I have been a practicing Childd/Adolescent psychologist for several years. My first question to you is who diagnosed your daughter? I have never diagnosed a 5 year old with ODD in my life, nor have I ever heard of any ethical diagnosis of a child that age.

In the DSM-IV (Diagnostic statistical Manual for mental health disorders) under ODD and age/gender features it says this:

Because transient oppositional behavior is very common in preschool children and in adolescents, caution should be exercised in making the diagnosis of ODD, especially during these developmental periods.

I would consult with a Child psychologist, NOT a psychiatrist, and express your concerns and ask for some tips and ideas on how to curb these behaviors.

Again, I need to say, it is highly unethical for someone to diagnose a 5 year old with ODD.

Answer 4

I'm not sure what ODD is but, I think I would be looking for a good child psychologist to help the family in explaining how to handle the situation and, they will know how to help her explain herself better. From what I just read, it sounds like she knows how to feel and behave, but doesn't know how to explain it. A psychologist will help all involved.

Answer 5

hi,
my son is a bi-polar manic depressant,
he was always doing really mean thing then feeling so bad about it.
i took him to child guidance, hes 24 now and a wonderful person so just do the best you can and they turn out alright have faith

Cathy oh could you tell me what npd stands for

Answer 6

I really think you should check with a child psychologist. Do it now, while she is only five; it might only get worse. Call first thing Monday morning. Can't hurt to ask for a consultation.

Answer 7

maybe she's too young to understand what it all means........so in the mean time .....go over it....make explaining it to her fun...or you can also try and make it in a game so she understands gradually as she grows ...........if that answers your question.

Answer 8

i am soooo sorry