Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a is a childhood mental disorder characterized by a recurring pattern of negative, disobedient, argumentative, hostile, or defiant behavior. To fit the diagnosis, the behavior must persist for at least six months and occur more often than might be expected for the child's age and developmental stage. If four or more of the following symptoms are present, then ODD may be the reason.
Symptoms:
- often loses his/her temper
- often argues with adults
- often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules
- often deliberately annoys people
- often blames others for his/her mistakes or misbehavior
- is often touchy or easily annoyed by others
- is often angry and resentful
- is often spiteful or vindictive
- misbehaves, swears, or uses obscene language
-
has a low opinion of him/herself
Causes:
ODD is more commonly seen in boys than girls. Oppositional defiant disorder appears to be more common in families where at least one parent has a history of a mood disorder, conduct disorder, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, antisocial personality disorder, or a substance-related disorder. The specific causes of ODD are unknown. Symptoms often appear at home, but over time may appear in other settings as well. Several theories about the causes of oppositional defiant disorder are being investigated and may be related to:
- the child's temperament and the family's response to that temperament
- an inherited predisposition to the disorder in some families
- marital discord or violence between husband and wife
- frequent or multiple geographical moves
- a neurological cause, like a head injury
- a chemical imbalance in the brain (especially with the brain chemical serotonin)
Prevention:
A teen with ODD can be very difficult for parents. Parents with a teen that suffers from ODD need support and understanding. Parents can help their child with ODD in the following ways:
- give the teen praise when he/she shows flexibility or cooperation
- take a time-out or break if conflict is getting worse when talking to your son/daughter
- pick your battles
- set up reasonable, age appropriate limits with consequences that can be enforced consistently
- manage your own stress with healthy life choices
When to Contact a Mental Health Professional:
If you are concerned that your child may have ODD you should seek a professional evaluation. This is an important first step in learning and implementing effective parenting tools to address ODD behaviors. In many cases, children with oppositional defiant disorder grow up to have conduct disorder as adults, so if you suspect ODD is an issue, please call for a professional evaluation.
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