Oppositional Defiant Disorder

What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) involves a pattern of anger, irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, disobedient behavior, and/or vindictiveness that lasts at least six months.

A child or teenager with ODD may express the following symptoms:

1.  Argumentativeness with adults and authority figures.
2.  Irritable mood and short temper
3.  Deliberate annoyance of others
4.  Blaming of others for their own mistakes or misbehavior
5.  Spiteful or vindictive behaviors
6.  Lack or loss of friends
7.  Getting into trouble often at school.

These behaviors are persistent and frequent and can occur in one or multiple settings (school, home, etc.). They have negative impacts on an individual’s daily and social functioning and cause distress to the individual and others around him or her.

How can ODD be treated?

ODD is best treated by having the child or adolescent attend therapy sessions. Family therapy may also be beneficial. A mental health professional can not only help the child or adolescent improve his or her behavior but can also provide strategies for parents to deal with their child’s or adolescent’s disorder.