What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

ODD is a type of childhood disruptive behavior characterized by frequent tantrums, angry outbursts, refusal to follow rules or obey authority and challenging authority. Many children will go through a phase where have behavior problems but a child with persistent tantrums, argumentative behavior and deliberately breaking rules and challenging authority may need to be evaluated for ODD.

Symptoms of ODD

• Persistent refusal to obey or follow rules
• Disobedience with no fear of penalties
• Defiance behavior at home and school,
• Negativity in dealing with things
• Hostility with authority figures, teachers, parents
• Frequent temper tantrums even in the teen years
• Argumentative
• Spiteful and vindictive
• Aggressive with friends
• Low self-esteem.

Causes of ODD

• Hereditary (runs in the family)
• Environmental: due to chaotic home life, inconsistent or extremely harsh discipline by parents, trauma, neglect or abuse
• Lack of parental involvement in the child’s life or a child with parents in a violent relationship.
• An imbalance of serotonin or other brain chemicals can also cause ODD

Diagnosis of ODD

ODD should last for more than six months to be diagnosed. It is also persistent and disruptive at home and school.

Treatment

Management of ODD includes:

• medication and therapy.
• Early intervention and treatment are essential for optimum outcome.
• Reinforcing a positive relationship with your child is recommended.

Contact Resilient Mind Behavior health to work with and your child to work with you child to resolve these behavior problems.