Oppositional Defiant Disorder Symptoms

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavioral disorder characterized by persistent, extreme defiance and resentment. ODD is usually diagnosed in childhood and requires a patient to constantly exhibit symptoms for at least six months.

Defiant

• Children with oppositional defiance disorder deliberately defy or refuse to comply with adults' instructions or requests. ODD patients constantly question the rules.

Hostile

• Kids who suffer with oppositional defiant disorder typically exhibit hostility and resentment toward authority figures. Their hostile attitudes and actions frequently get them in trouble at home and school.

Spiteful and Vindictive

• Individuals with oppositional defiant disorder seem to enjoy deliberately annoying or upsetting other people. ODD patients tend to blame others for their own mistakes and misbehavior, and often seek revenge on those they blame.

Temperamental

• Oppositional defiant disorder patients tend to be very touchy and easily annoyed with others. ODD children throw frequent, severe temper tantrums.

Considerations

• Oppositional defiant disorder commonly occurs in combination with other behavioral disorders or mental illnesses. Common co-occurring conditions include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder and depression.

Causes and Treatment

• Although the cause of ODD is unknown, contributing factors might include a child's inherent temperament, a chemical imbalance in the brain, family instability and a lack of supervision. Treatment typically includes medicating any co-occurring conditions, behavioral therapy, social skills training and anger management therapy.