My 10-year old son has been diagnosed as ODD and indeed has fit the description perfectly since age 2. Before seeing the psychiatrist, we saw 4 psychologists, all of whom recommended the same behavior management techniques we had already read about on our own. None have worked. Have also tried Howard Glasser's nonmedical approach for difficult children. About a year ago, the psychiatrist prescribed Risperidone, which produced about a 20% improvement -- we didn't think that was enough to offset the potential downside -- weight gain plus possible irreversible involuntary facial and other ticks, which we read might not even show up for years but might then be irreversible. Now, after again trying behavior management techniques without meds, we are dealing with a son who is bigger, stronger and more aggressive, who has physically assaulted both parents, broken windows, damaged the car, torn up important papers, and goes off on rages of profanity and spitting in our faces. Note, he is known to other adults, including teachers, as smart, funny, original, "spirited" but not a problem! Now that we -- reluctantly but desperately -- are considering medication again (for sake of our and sibling's safety), what are some of the other meds our MD will likely recommend, or should recommend? Is there anything known to be effective for ODD but ALSO SAFE? Is there any med our doctor might suggest that you strongly advise AGAINST? Can you recommend a CREDIBLE source for the latest information on drugs to help us weigh risks vs. benefits? I know that's our doctor's role, but what if he is not as well informed as he seems, or is unduly influenced by the pharmaceutical detail people? I fully understand that you have to caveat your response, but I'm terrified of wrecking our son's brain. We have been working on food sensitivities (esp. food colorings and preservatives) which seem to MAYBE exacerbate things, and we think he may also be depressed -- realizing that could be caused by, or the cause of, his behavior problems. (Both parents have had lifelong struggles with depression.) He also wakes often during the night and then wants to sleep on the floor of our room. If it matters, he had a head CT several years ago to check possible cause of headaches after exertion -- nothing found. (Dad has history of migraines.) We have also just started using a tincture of St. John's Wort.