Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by disruptive behavior in children that lasts at least six months. Children with ODD openly defy the guidance of authority figures and are often hostile to peers. If you have a child, it’s important to recognize the signs of ODD and seek treatment as soon as possible so that ODD doesn’t advance into adolescence.
Signs and Symptoms of ODD
There are three levels of ODD symptoms: mild, moderate and severe. Mild symptoms only occur in one setting, such as at school or at home, with early signs of ODD usually starting in the home. Moderate symptoms occur in at least two settings. Severe symptoms occur in three or more settings, which can include social settings and extracurricular activities. ODD symptoms may increase in frequency and intensity, negatively affecting relationships.
The following ODD symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe and can occur anywhere. Observe whether your child shows any of these signs two or more times a week for at least six months.
- Refusing to comply or arguing with authority figures; not following simple instructions
- Acting vindictively, such as plotting and seeking revenge
- Shouting insults or calling names when they don’t get their way
- Purposefully aggravating others to push their buttons and get a response
- Ignoring instructions
- Pushing and/or ignoring boundaries
- Defying rules without regard for consequences
- Frequently expressing anger and/or irritability
Diagnosing ODD
A professional diagnosis by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine whether your child is expressing symptoms of ODD. Typically, symptoms of ODD begin in the preschool years, but they can be similar to those that children naturally have before age 4, such as temper tantrums or emotional outbursts. The difference is the intensity and persistent presence of symptoms for at least six months.
Laboratory testing and imaging are not currently used to diagnose ODD. However, a clinical evaluation and observation of your child’s history and patterns of behavior will help reach a conclusion. Healthcare professionals will conduct a thorough review with teachers, coaches, caregivers and parents to determine how often and to what level relationships are affected by ODD behaviors.
Professionals will also check for co-occurring mental health conditions such as mood and anxiety disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If your child is an adolescent, substance use disorders may be considered to determine whether erratic behavior is influenced by drugs and/or alcohol. It is less common that ODD is not diagnosed until the teen years, but it can happen if treatment was not previously pursued.
Treatment for ODD
If you don’t know where to start, begin with your child’s pediatrician or primary care provider. They may refer you to a child psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation. Healthcare professionals will gauge how often and to what extent your child’s behaviors impact their social, educational and home lives.
There are several treatment modalities for ODD. For caregivers of children with ODD, parent-child interaction therapy is one way to empower parents to understand how to interact with their children and calm them down during emotional outbursts. Likewise, parenting skills training teaches caregivers how to discipline children in an effective way.
Individual and family talk therapy often involves parents and other adults instrumental in the child’s life. Problem-solving therapy and social skills training may be offered to teach children how to express their emotions and react in more appropriate ways situationally. At times medication may be a helpful addition to the treatment plan depending on the child’s age and whether a co-occurring disorder is present.
No matter what, the goal is to take measures to improve your child’s interactions, outlook, attitude and life.
For more information, or if you are concerned about your child’s behavior, feel free to reach out to Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program today.
More Articles from Discovery Mood & Anxiety Program
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Not Just a Temper Tantrum
- Reactive Attachment Disorder in Children
- 10 Ways Parents Can Support Their Child’s Mental Health
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/oppositional-defiant-disorder#symptoms
https://www.education.udel.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/ODD-011807.pdf