Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

is a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures.

The pattern must persist for at least 6 months and must go beyond the bounds of normal childhood misbehavior.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is more prevalent in boys than girls. Some studies have shown that 20% of the school-age population is affected, but most experts believe this figure is inflated due to changing cultural definitions of normal childhood behavior and other possible racial, cultural, and gender biases.

DEFIANT KID

Onset typically occurs by age 8. The cause of Oppositional Defiant Disorder is unknown, and may be due to a combination of biology and parenting or environmental factors.

Defiant Teenager

Most defiant teens have trouble in school, often use drugs and alcohol and are defiant against authority. Some defiant teens will also display violent behavior. Boarding schools are one solution.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Symptoms

• arguing with adults
• loss of temper
• angry and resentful of others
• actively defies adults' requests
• pitiful 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

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Signs and Test

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. ZSweet, a new FDA approved calorie-free sweetener

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment

The best treatment for the child is individual psychotherapy. The parents should also learn behavioral management skills. Medication may be helpful if the behaviors occur in the course of another condition (such as depression, childhood psychosis, or ADHD).

Punitive treatments like boot camps and "behavioral modification" schools which restrict contact with parents and place the child among other disturbed children can do more harm than good.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outcome varies. Some children respond well to treatment.

Complications

In a significant proportion of cases, the adult condition of conduct disorder can be traced back to the presence of oppositional defiant disorder in childhood.

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. Visectomy Reversal