Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a thief.

It steals relationships. Calls and visits from family and friends, who have become fed up with the ODD child's behavior, become fewer and fewer until the ODD child and his family are left completely isolated at a time when they need help the most.

ODD cheats parents out of time, since children suffering from it need constant supervision. Mothers and fathers get precious little time to sleep, exercise, relax or take time for themselves.

It robs families of memories of happy holidays and festive occasions. Instead they are replaced with recollections of special events marred by outbursts.

ODD takes away the ability to learn. Frustrated, overburdened teachers often don't have the skills to cope with an ODD child, and many times just give up.

The disorder pilfers any social confidence or self-assurance its young victims might have. School becomes hell for the ODD child, his parents and his teachers.

By the time most children have been diagnosed with ODD, parents are exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster they've endured by living with the uncontrollable outbursts and constant arguing. Families sometimes are disrupted to a point where the child has to leave the home for foster care or a hospital.

Although the situation may seem hopeless, families have found ways to work together and cope with an ODD child. Many children get better and sometimes are even rid of the disorder after treatment. Others - especially those with more than one psychological or behavioral problem, a common problem with ODD children - may not. What is important for parents to understand is that their family can cope with an ODD child whether the disorder improves or not.

Many parents have trudged this road before you and have plenty of wisdom to share. Look online for support groups in your area. It always helps to share your burden with someone who has been there already.