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What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a mental health condition marked by a consistent pattern of defiant, angry, and irritable behaviors aimed at authority figures like parents, teachers, or caregivers.

About ODD and how it's treated

It’s not unusual for children to be difficult or challenging at times. However, oppositional defiant disorders include unending patterns of anger, irritability, and defiance toward parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Undesirable behaviors such as being spiteful, vindictive, and seeking revenge are also common among individuals with ODD (ODD in children, 2024).

 

These disruptive emotional and behavioral issues can cause many serious problems with family, school, and social activities. Fortunately, CBS provides many resources and services to help parents and individuals diagnosed with ODD how to navigate and manage these difficult occurrences successfully to bring forth positive behaviors and reach important goals and milestones (ODD in children, 2024).

 

Treatment of ODD involves learning skills to help build positive family interactions and to manage problem behaviors. Other therapy, and possibly medicines, may be needed to treat related mental health conditions. It’s important to seek medical advice from your family physician and other healthcare providers to ensure that your child is receiving all necessary support and resources (ODD in children, 2024).

What are the symptoms of ODD in a child?

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​According to Hopkinsmedicine.org, most symptoms seen in children and teens with ODD also happen at times in other children without it. This is very true for children around ages 2 or 3, or during the teen years. Many children tend to disobey, argue with parents, or defy authority. They may often behave this way when they are tired, hungry, or upset. But in children and teens with ODD, these symptoms happen more often and are more severe. They also interfere with learning and school adjustment. And in some cases, they disrupt the child’s relationships with others.

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Symptoms of ODD may include:

  • Having frequent temper tantrums

  • Arguing a lot with adults

  • Refusing to do what an adult asks

  • Always questioning rules and refusing to follow rules

  • Doing things to annoy or upset others, including adults

  • Blaming others for the child’s own misbehaviors or mistakes

  • Being easily annoyed by others

  • Often having an angry attitude

  • Speaking harshly or unkindly

  • Seeking revenge or being vindictive

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ODD can be mild, moderate, or severe

  • Mild ODD. The symptoms occur only in 1 setting (home or school).

  • Moderate ODD. The symptoms are seen in at least 2 settings (home and school).

  • Severe ODD. The symptoms occur in 3 or more settings (for instance at home or school, with peers, or in public).

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Many of these symptoms can be caused by other mental health problems. Make sure your child sees a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

References

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in children. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024, November 29). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/oppositional-defiant-disorder

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