An exciting new project sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health is begining at the Child Study Center. This project will examine two different psychological treatments for children ages 8 to 12 with symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder. The first type of treatment is Collaborative Problem Solving - a treatment based on work recently completed by Dr. Ross Greene at Harvard University. This treatment teaches you how to help your child identify and regulate his/her emotions and to solve behavior problems together. The second treatment is Parent Management Training and teaches you how to respond consistently and appropriately to your child's positive and negative behaviors.

In general, symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder include a recurrent pattern of developmentally inappropriate levels of negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures. It is estimated to occur in about 16% of children. Behaviors associated with ODD include:

• Temper outbursts
• Persistent stubbornness
• Resistance to directions
• Unwillingness to compromise, give in, or negotiate with adults or peers
• Deliberate or persistent testing of limits
• Verbal (and minor physical) aggression

Children participating in the study will be assessed prior to treatment, throughout treatment, immediately following treatment, and 1 year thereafter. All treatment sessions will be free of charge and families will earn up to $200 for completing assessment sessions.

To see if your child (8-12 years) qualifies for this confidential study, please contact us by using one of the following methods:

- Phone: 540-231-8276

- E-mail: childproblems@vt.edu