What is a typical treatment approach for oppositional defiant disorder?

• A. Parent Management Training
• B. Pharmacotherapy only
• C. Individual psychoanalysis
• D. Inpatient hospitalization

Answer: (A)

Oppositional defiant disorder is best addressed through a structured, skills-based approach that involves the parents directly. Parent Management Training teaches caregivers to set clear rules, use consistent, predictable consequences, and reinforce cooperative behavior. This method targets how the child and parent interact, reduces oppositional behaviors, and improves overall family functioning. It has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness, making it a typical first-line treatment.

Medications are not used as the sole treatment for ODD; they may help if there are coexisting conditions like ADHD or anxiety, but not to treat the oppositional behavior itself. Individual psychoanalysis isn’t considered a standard, evidence-based primary treatment for ODD, as it doesn’t address the specific behavioral patterns and family dynamics as directly. Inpatient hospitalization is usually reserved for crises or severe safety concerns, not for routine management of ODD.