Signs and Treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a type of behavioral disorders, typical for children in preschool and early school age. It is shown by aggression, brutality, defiance and a tendency to irritate and bully others. Although often many children behave like that, oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by a persistent and hostile behavior for at least 6 months.

What signs of child's behavior may help to determine oppositional defiant disorder?

Here they are:

• often loses his temper;

• refuses to comply with rules and requests of adults, showing disobedience;

• often argues with adults;

• deliberately annoys people around them;

• often irritable and easily loses his temper;

• blame others in his own mistakes or misconduct;

• showing malice and revenge;

• often angry and offended.

The key difference of ODD from other behavioral abnormalities is the lack of apparent violations of the rights of others and the existing laws (stealing, fighting, cruelty, destructiveness, assault, etc.). There are also no characteristic signs of affective, psychotic and conductive disorders.

The main causes of oppositional defiant disorder are the following factors:

• biological factor (abnormal changes in the function of neurotransmitters of the brain);

• genetic predisposition (heredity);

• external factors (psychological environment at home or at school);

• delays in development.

Disturbances in behavior often become the cause of significant deterioration of the child's social, professional and academic activity. According to statistics, at least 5% of children today can be diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder. Many child psychologists reasonably associate ODD with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Of course, not all children suffering from ADHD have ODD. However, many of these children do have it (about 65%).

In many children, suffering from ODD, symptoms disappear with time. For example, a rebellious teenager could turn into quite accommodating an adult. Nevertheless, some signs may remain for a lifetime. And aggressive two-year-old toddler is likely to grow into the same aggressive adult.

What can we advise to parents of children with ODD?

• encourage the child to interact and flexibility;

• try to self-control;

• develop a strategy for their behavior;

• set boundaries, which the child must adhere to;

• do not act alone (interact with a spouse, coach, teacher);

• avoid mental and physical exhaustion (the child should not take all your time and energy).

The treatment of oppositional defiant disorder is profession of child psychiatrists, psychologists and therapists who have appropriate experience. They can prescribe medication for kids with ODD. In most cases, doctors give advices, related to the child and his family.

What you should know about kids with oppositional defiant disorder?

Original article