Understanding Oppositional Defiant Disorder

 Also know as ODD, is a condition in which a child displays a continuing

pattern of uncooperative defiant and hostile behavior towards people in
authority.

Symptoms

 Having frequent temper tantrums

Arguing with adults often
 Refusing to do what an adult asks
 Continually questioning rules and refusing to follow them
 Doing things to annoy or upset others, including adults
Blaming others for the child's own misbehaviors or mistakes

A. A pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or

vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months as evidenced by at least four symptoms
from any of the following categories, and exhibited during interaction with at
least one individual who is not a sibling.

Angry/Irritable Mood
Often loses temper.
Is often touchy or easily annoyed.
Is often angry and resentful.

Argumentative/Defiant Behavior
Often argues with authority figures.
Often actively refuses to comply with requests or with rules.
Often deliberately annoys others.
Often blames others for their mistakes or misbehavior.
Vindictiveness
Has been spiteful or vindictive at least twice within the past 6 months
B. The disturbance in behavior is associated with distress in the individual or
others in their immediate social context (e.g., family, peer group, work
colleagues), or it impacts negatively on social, educational, occupational, or other
important areas of functioning.

C. The behaviors do not occur exclusively during the course of a psychotic,

substance use, depressive, or bipolar disorder. Also, the criteria are not met for
disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.

Causes
 Biological
 Genetic
 Environmental
 Developmental
 Learned

Risk Factors:
 Temperament
 Parenting issues
Other family issues
Environment

Co-occurring Disorders:

ADHD
Depression
Anxiety
Bipolar disorder
Conduct disorder
• Learning & Communication disorders

ODD can lead to other problems including:

Poor school and work performance
 Antisocial behavior
Impulse control problems
Substance use disorder
 Suicide
Prevention:
It might not be possible to prevent ODD but recognizing and acting on symptoms
when they first appear can minimize distress to the child and family, and prevent
many of the problems associated with the disorder

Prevalence
10.2% of all children will develop ODD
• Boys (11%)
Girls (9%)

MYTH: ODD only occurs in children.

While ODD is most often diagnosed in children, teenagers and adults can also
have ODD.

MYTH: ODD is a result of bad parenting.

ODD is associated with absent or neglectful parenting, but children with loving
and present parents can also develop the condition.

MYTH: Punishment is the best way to correct behavior.

ITH vS. FACT
Research has shown that punishing behaviors associated with ODD does not help.
In fact, harsh discipline is a risk factor for developing the condition.
Inconsistent, severe punishment often leads to worse behavior.

Coping and Support

 Recognize and praise

Model the behavior
 Pick your battles
 Set limits
Set up a routine
Build in time together
 •
Work together
Assign a household chore
Be prepared for challenges early on