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Mary, a 4-year-old with oppositional defiant disorder
Christine M Daly1, Thomas Grieger
1Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry, 6900 Georgia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20307, USA.
Military Medicine
|June 11, 2002
Summary
Oppositional defiant disorder in a young child improved with therapy and dedicated playtime, suggesting attachment deficits may play a role. This case highlights behavioral responses to parental absence.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Pediatric Behavioral Health
- Attachment Theory
Background:
- Parental deployment can precipitate behavioral issues in young children.
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) may manifest due to stress from family separation.
- Understanding the impact of parental absence on child development is crucial.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old girl developed ODD symptoms during her father's overseas deployment.
- The child exhibited behavioral challenges linked to her father's absence.
- Attachment deficits are considered a potential contributing factor.
Findings:
- Regular therapy sessions led to significant behavioral improvement.
- Structured playtime with the mother was a key therapeutic element.
- The child's ODD symptoms substantially decreased with these interventions.
Implications:
- Parent-child attachment deficits can contribute to ODD.
- Behavioral interventions, including play therapy, are effective for ODD.
- Addressing emotional needs during parental absence is vital for child well-being.