My son was diagnosed with oppositional defiance disorder. is there a medication to help with that?

ODD: Oppositional defiant disorder is a frustrating and difficult disorder to treat in children. There is no specific medication for it. However, in many cases the oppositional behavior is induced or aggravated by adhd, learning disabilities, or depression, which can be treated. The evidence on which medications are best in this situation is unclear. It is usually trial and error.

ODD meds, no & yes: Oppositional defiant disorder (odd) often co-occurs with other disorders such as adhd. No medicines are specific to odd yet but mood stabilizers, atypical antipsychotics, antidepressants and adhd meds are often key to the treatment plan, depending on symptoms. Family therapy, behavior management strategies, & academic interventions are critical. Talk to your pediatrician to start a treatment team.

None proven: No medicines have been shown to be effective for odd, though sometimes meds are prescribed for co-existing conditions like adhd if present. But psych meds for children can be dangerous so i'd avoid. Treatment is generally individual & family therapy- see http://www.Aacap.Org/cs/resource_center/odd_faqs homeopathy is also worth exploring- see the book rage-free kids by judyth reichenberg-ullman.

Oppositional Defiant: Disorder = 4/7 significant hostile, negativistic behaviors at home & school for 6 mos. Or > that impair behavior, peer interactions &/or academics. Comorbid adhd is found in ~ 80# of preschoolers with odd. Stimulants significantly improve adhd symptoms in ~ 80% of preschoolers & modestly improve odd, but cause side effects in ~50% (vs ~20% in kg & >). Behavior management therapy is vital.