Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children (ODD)
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior towards authority figures. The pattern must persist for at least six months and must go beyond the bounds of normal childhood misbehavior.
This disorder is more prevalent in boys than girls. Some studies have found that as much as 20% of the school age population are affected, but most experts believe this figure is over-inflated due to changing cultural definitions of normal childhood behavior and other possible racial, cultural, and gender biases.
The onset typically begins by age 8. The cause of this disorder is unknown, and may be due to a combination of biology and parenting or environmental factors.
Consistency in rules and fair consequences should be practiced in the child's home. Punishments should not be overly harsh or inconsistently applied.
Appropriate behaviors should be modeled by the adults in the household. Abuse and neglect increase the chances that this condition will occur.
Some of the core symptoms of ODD include the following:
- arguing with adults
- loss of temper
- angry and resentful of others
- actively defies adults' requests
- spiteful or vindictive behavior
- blames others for their own mistakes
- is touchy or easily annoyed
- few or no friends or loss of previous friends
- constant trouble in school
The pattern of behaviors must be distinguished from what is commonly observed in other children of similar age and developmental level, and must result in significant social or academic problems.
Evaluation by a psychiatrist or psychologist may be recommended. In children and adolescents, depression and attention-deficit /hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may cause similar disturbances in behavior, and should be considered as alternate or additional diagnoses.
Contact us to schedule an initial evaluation. Qualified participants will receive study related care at no charge and there is no need for health insurance.