Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children

All children are defiant sometimes, but if this behavior is persistent, the child might have Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD).

Symptoms

• A child with ODD exhibits at least four of the following symptoms: frequent temper tantrums; excessive arguing; active defiance of rules; deliberately annoying people; blaming others for his mistakes; becoming annoyed easily; and frequently feeling angry, resentful, spiteful or vindictive.

  For children with ODD, these behaviors occur more frequently than in other children of the same developmental age, last longer than six months and interfere with the child's daily functioning.

Prevalence

• Between 2 to 16 percent of children under age 18 have ODD.

Diagnosis

• A comprehensive evaluation will be done to diagnose ODD, as well as possible coexisting disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety or mood disorders and learning disorders.

Age of diagnosis

• ODD becomes apparent by early adolescence, often by 8 years of age. Symptoms increase with age, often resulting in Adult Conduct Disorder.

Treatment

• Treatment may include psychotherapy to teach better anger management, communication, problem-solving and social skills. Medication may be used to treat some symptoms, as well as any coexisting disorders.

Parental Management

• Parents of children with ODD should use positive parenting techniques, establish consistent consequences for misbehavior and reinforce cooperation.