Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a condition which can occur in children or teenager characterized by frequent and persistent pattern of anger, arguing, defiance, irritation, vindictiveness towards parents and other authority figures.
Even the best-behaved children can be difficult and challenging at times. But if your child or teenager has a frequent and persistent pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, defiance or vindictiveness toward you and other authority figures, he or she may have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
Symptoms
Symptoms usually have onset before early teen age.The DSM-5 criteria include emotional and behavioral symptoms that last at least six months.
- Easily lose temper
- Easily annoyed by others
- Often arguing with parents
- Often deliberately annoy and hurt people
- Often show vindictiveness
Causes
Exact cause of this condition is not known but following factors known to have influence:
- Genetics due to which possible neurological problems and brain function defects can occur
- Environmental factors
Complications
- Anti-social behavior
- Impulse control problem
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal behavior
- Anxiety
- Learning and communication disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete psychological evaluation of the child. Presence of other mental health, learning or communication disorders should also be ruled out.
Treatment
Treatment options include:
- Psychotherapy
- Parent training
- Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)
- Individual and family therapy
- Cognitive problem-solving training
- Social skills training