Main Discussion: The Case Study Of Angry Adolescent

Main Discussion the Case Study Of Angry Adolescent The Case Study Sele

The case study involved an adolescent female exhibiting signs of intense anger and disruptive behavior. Initial observations captured her displaying disrespectful attitude towards the therapist and refusing to engage in discussions, as well as behaving inappropriately. However, subsequent therapy sessions revealed more insights into her personality and behavioral patterns, indicating that she might be suffering from oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). She was identified as a popular girl at her school who struggles with anger regulation, consistent with the clinical features of ODD.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of irritable mood, argumentative behavior, and vindictiveness lasting at least six months (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). According to the DSM-5 criteria, individuals diagnosed with ODD must exhibit at least four symptoms from a specified list, including frequent loss of temper, easily annoyed, argumentative with authority figures, and spitefulness. The adolescent in the case demonstrated several of these symptoms, notably her disrespectfulness and anger towards the therapist without apparent concern for consequences, indicating a classic presentation of ODD.

Diagnosing ODD involves a careful assessment of behavioral patterns and symptom duration. The adolescent's repeated oppositional behaviors and defiance towards authority, coupled with her lack of remorse or concern about her actions, support this diagnosis. It is crucial to distinguish ODD from other behavioral or mood disorders, which require different treatment approaches. The DSM-5 emphasizes that the symptoms must cause significant impairment in social, academic, or other areas of functioning, which appears to be the case here, considering her social status and behavioral issues at school.

The therapeutic approach favored for such cases combines child-focused therapy with parent training. Child-based therapy emphasizes problem-solving skills and emotional regulation, while parent training helps parents develop effective management strategies, including reducing reinforcement of troublesome behaviors (Katzmann et al., 2018; Goertz-Dorten et al., 2019). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has demonstrated efficacy in reducing ODD symptoms by helping adolescents recognize and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors (Katzmann et al., 2018).

Medications such as second-generation antipsychotics, including risperidone (marketed as Risperdal), are also considered in severe cases of ODD to manage aggression and irritability (Arnold & Moody, 2018). While medication can provide symptomatic relief, behavioral interventions remain the cornerstone of treatment. The combination of CBT, parent training, and medication aims to address both emotional regulation deficits and environmental factors contributing to the disorder.

Outcomes are generally positive when these interventions are implemented effectively. The goal is to enable parents to better understand their child's behavior, implement consistent discipline strategies, and create a more supportive environment. For the adolescent, increased self-awareness, emotional regulation skills, and improved interaction patterns are expected. As a result, her disruptive behaviors should decrease, and her ability to manage anger and opposition would improve significantly.

In summary, the case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment for adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder. Recognizing the behavioral patterns and applying evidence-based therapies can facilitate better social functioning, improved family dynamics, and academic success, ultimately promoting healthier developmental trajectories for affected youth.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
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  • Goertz-Dorten, A., Benesch, C., Berk-Pawlitzek, E., Faber, M., Hautmann, C., Hellmich, M., & Doepfner, M. (2019). Efficacy of individualized social competence training for children with oppositional defiant disorders/conduct disorders: A randomized controlled trial with an active control group. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 28(2), 65-75. doi:10.1007/s-x
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  • Sukhodolsky, D. G., et al. (2016). Family-based behavioral therapy for pediatric oppositional defiant disorder. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 45(2), 138-152.
  • Walker, S., & Severson, H. (2018). Best practices in managing disruptive behaviors among adolescents. Journal of School Psychology, 66, 45-55.

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