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Even the best-behaved children can be difficult and challenging at times. Teens are often moody and argumentative. But if your child or teen has a persistent pattern of tantrums, arguing, and angry or disruptive behaviors toward you and other authority figures, he or she may have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). As many as one in 10 children may have oppositional defiant disorder in a lifetime. Treatment of oppositional defiant disorder involves therapy and possibly medications to treat related mental health conditions. As a parent, you don't have to go it alone in trying to manage a child with oppositional defiant disorder. Doctors, counselors and child development experts can help you learn specific strategies to address oppositional defiant disorder. Symptoms: It may be tough at times to recognize the difference between a strong-willed or emotional child and one with oppositional defiant disorder. Certainly there's a range between the normal independence-seeking behavior of children and oppositional defiant disorder. It's normal to exhibit oppositional behaviors at certain stages of a child's development. However, your child's issue may be oppositional defiant disorder if your child's oppositional behaviors: *Are persistent *Have lasted at least six months *Are clearly disruptive to the family and home or school environment The following are behaviors associated with ODD: *Negativity *Defiance *Disobedience *Hostility directed toward authority figures These behaviors might cause your child to regularly and consistently show these symptoms: *Frequent temper tantrums *Argumentativeness with adults *Refusal to comply with adult requests or rules *Deliberate annoyance of other people *Blaming others for mistakes or misbehavior *Acting touchy and easily annoyed *Anger and resentment *Spiteful or vindictive behavior *Aggressiveness toward peers *Difficulty maintaining friendships |
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What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder? |
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Oppositional defiant disorder often occurs along with other behavioral or mental health problems such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety or depression. It's important to diagnose and treat any co-occurring illnesses because they can create or worsen irritability and defiance if left untreated. Additionally, it's important to identify and treat any related substance abuse and dependence. Substance abuse and dependence in children or adolescents is often associated with irritability and changes in the child or adolescent's usual personality. Causes: There's no clear cause underpinning oppositional defiant disorder. Contributing causes may include: *The child's inherent temperament *The family's response to the child's style *A genetic component that when coupled with certain environmental conditions — such as lack of supervision, poor quality child care or family instability — increases the risk of ODD *A biochemical or neurological factor *The child's perception that he or she isn't getting enough of the parent's time and attention Risk factors: A number of factors play a role in the development of oppositional defiant disorder. ODD is a complex problem involving a variety of influences, circumstances and genetic components. No single factor causes ODD. Possible risk factors include: *Having a parent with a mood or substance abuse disorder *Being abused or neglected *Harsh or inconsistent discipline *Lack of supervision *Poor relationship with one or both parents *Family instability such as occurs with divorce, multiple moves, or changing schools or child care providers frequently *Parents with a history of ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder or conduct problems *Financial problems in the family *Exposure to violence *Substance abuse in the child or adolescent For more information go to mayoclinic.com |
