Anger and Defiance.

Anger and defiance are some of the most common reasons children and adolescents are referred for mental health services.  They are the core attributes of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder.  They are also far more likely to show up in children that have ADHD, anxiety and mood disorders.  

Anger is often triggered by frustration or conflict with another person.  It can present as mild irritation or full-fledged rage with aggressive actions.  However, these conditions can be successfully moderated using cognitive behavioral skills that enhance emotional control, or parental management skills that reconfigure relationships that have previously supported the negative angry behavior.