FAQ-Frequently Asked Questions Page 1. What is a Child Psychiatrist? A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist is a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy who specializes in the diagnosis and, if indicated, the treatment of disorders of thinking, feeling and/or behavior affecting children, adolescents, and their families. It takes thirteen years after high school to become a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist. A Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist offers families the advantages of a medical education, the medical traditions of professional ethics, and medical responsibility for providing comprehensive care. http://www.aacap.org/about/psych.htm 2. How do you know this will help my kid, if you don't even know what the problem is? Good question. Regardless of the actual problem or it's cause, there are certain things which must be done and not be done to enhance appropriate behaviors in all children.  Dr. Passer has learned that the Ten Steps he presents to you, are all essential. This certainly does not mean that nothing else needs to be done. It is just that because the Ten Steps are needed anyway. They are so effective and relatively easy to do, one should view the DVD and apply the program first and then seek further help if needed. 3. How effective is the program? Like anything else, it depends on how much is incorporated into a new behavioral plan for you and your child.  Dr. Passer explains exactly what you need to do, like a recipe.  You just have to follow it. It does work, you just have to apply it to make it work for you. 4. What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder? Oppositional Defiant Disorder is condition usually diagnosed during childhood and is considered to be a Disruptive Behavior Disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Addition (DSM-IV). According the the DSM-IV , there are four criteria: A. A pattern of negativisitc, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least six months, during which time the child has had four or more of the following: (1) often loses temper, (2) often argues with adults, (3) often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults requests or rules, (4) often deliberately annoys people, (5) often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior, (6) is often touchy or easily onnoyed by others, (7) is often angry and resentful, (8) is often spiteful or vindictive. B. The disturbance in behavior causes clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functiong C. The behaviors do not occur exclusively during the course of a Psychotic or Mood Disorder. D. Criteria are not met for Conduct Disorder, and if the individual is age eighteen or older, criteria are not me for Antisocail Personality Disorder. 5. What about a medication for this problem? You should know is that there is no medications indicated for this condition.  For other associated conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, there are medications which are indicated that can also benefit a child with both ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder.  6. Are there certain ages which can best benefit from this progam? The program is primarily geared for children between the ages of two and ten years.  Older children can be helped as well, especially the part of the program which deals with "active ignoring." Of course, the younger your child is when you begin to apply the Ten Steps, the greater the benefits will be. Also, the sooner you apply what you will have learned, the better the results. 7. What is Behavioral Modification? Behavioral Modifications is a therapeutic modality using three basic concepts: First, there are positive reinforcemnts for appropriate behaviors. This occurs in real life all the time. You do well on your job, you earn a raise or a bonus. You say something nice to your spouse and you receive a kiss or hug. Second, there are negative reinforcements for inappropriate behaviors. Again this occurs in real life situations all the time.  If you do poorly on your job, you could be fired or demoted. If you are not nice toward others, they may not be friendly toward you.  The problem is that parents are not consistent and this DVD teaches how to overcome this obstacle. 8. So, is that all the program teaches? Not at all.  The program will also explain how you can establish rules for your kids.  How to effectively get your point across to your kids. The program will tell you what to do and what to say in most any situation to decrease conflicts.  Dr. Passer explains about time out, when to use it and how to use it.