Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, is a behavior disorder that is generally diagnosed during childhood. Children that are diagnosed with ODD are often uncooperative, defiant, and aggressive toward their peers and/or authority figures. They mostly cause trouble to others, not themselves.
What causes ODD in children?
While the root causes of ODD are still relatively unknown, there are two prevailing theories:
- Developmental theory --- suggests that the problems for children start when they are toddlers. Children and teenagers with ODD may have had difficulty learning how to be independent from one or more of their parents, or any figure to whom they were emotionally attached. Thus, ODD may be normal developmental behavior that is existing beyond the toddler years.
- Learning theory --- suggests that the symptoms of ODD are learned behaviors and attitudes. They are very similar to the effects of negative reinforcement practice utilized by authority figures. The persistent use of negative reinforcement can increase the child's ODD symptoms. This is due to the fact that the behaviors allow the child to obtain attention from authority figures, which is their ultimate goal.
Children who have mood/anxiety disorders, conduct disorder, or ADHD are more likely than other children to have ODD.
What are the symptoms of ODD in a child?
While some of the symptoms found in children with ODD are found in children without ODD, children with ODD experience these symptoms more frequently, and they are often more disruptive when it comes to learning, school adjustment, and relationships with peers.
Some of the symptoms of ODD are:
- Frequent temper tantrums
- Arguing a lot with adults
- Refusing to complete a task an adult asks them to do
- Questioning rules and refusing to follow them
- Saying/doing something to annoy or upset others, including adults
- Blaming others for their own misbehaviors/mistakes
- Being easily annoyed by other people
- Having an angry attitude
- Speaking harshly/unkindly
- Seeking revenge
How is ODD treated in a child?
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: A child will learn how to better solve problems and communicate with others. They will also learn how to control their impulses and any anger they may have.
- Family therapy: Since children with ODD can have difficulty maintaining positive relationships with adults and peers, the family can benefit from whole-family therapy. This therapy can increase communication skills within the family, as well as family interactions.
- Peer group therapy: This therapy would work well for a child whose ODD is negatively impacting their relationship with peers, especially in a school setting. The child can learn to improve their social and interpersonal skills.
How can parents help their children live with ODD?
- Get involved in family therapy as needed.
- Talk to the child's healthcare provider about other providers who can be involved in the child's care. Children with ODD can benefit from a team of providers that includes counselors, therapists, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists; the depth and breadth of the team will depend on the severity of the child's ODD.
- Reach out for support. Get in touch with other parents in the area or online who have a child with ODD. Learning how they deal with symptoms and provide help to their child can help. Additionally, talk with the child's healthcare provider if stress and overwhelm from caring for the child gets to be too much; they may be able to provide information for a support group for caregivers of children with ODD.
When should the child's healthcare provider be called?
More in-depth care should be provided for the child if they:
- Feel extreme depression, fear, anxiety, or anger toward themselves or others
- Feel out of control
- Hear voices that others don't hear
- See things that others don't see
- Can't sleep or eat for 3 days in a row
- Show behavior that concerns friends, family, or teachers, and others express concern about this behavior and ask to seek help
Here at Madrigal, we are committed to addressing ODD holistically to help you reach your best potential.
*This information was adapted from Johns Hopkins Medicine. Click here to learn more information.*