What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Prevalent during childhood, Oppositional Defiant Disorder is characterized by negative, defiant, disobedient and often hostile behavior towards adults or authoritative figures. For a conclusive diagnosis, such characteristic behavior must persist for at least a period of 6 months. A child undergoing ODD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder treatment is treated for definitive and frequent occurrence of at least four of the following behavioral traits

1. Losing temper
2. Frequently arguing with adults
3. Actively defying or refusing to comply with rules laid by adults
4. Deliberately doing things that will annoy other people
5. Continuously blaming others for his or her own mistakes and misbehavior
6. Being too sensitive or easily annoyed by others
7. Angry and resentful behavior
8. Spiteful natural and vindictive in nature

Children with ODD are often negative and defiant. Their negativity and defiance is often expressed through their stubborn nature, resistance to follow instructions and inability to compromise, negotiate or adjust in matters with peers as well as adults. As part of their rebellion, they may also be deliberate testing of limits in form not following orders frequently arguing and failing to accept their fault or misdeeds.

Defiance or general rebellion is not uncommon in children, especially in their teens or what many call the ‘terrible twos’. Children at this age defy authority every now and then. Children often express this defiance by not following orders, disobeying their elders and even talking back to parents, teachers and adults near them. If this behavior last longer than six months and is excessive in comparison to other children their age, it can be that your child has a rare type of behavioral disorder, ODD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Several Autism tests for adults and children are available online which can provide definitive conclusions on such persistent behavioral patterns.

Causes

Exact causes are not known in case of ODD. However, a number of theories state that ODD is a result of a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors which directly and indirectly contribute to the condition. Biological factors encompass injuries to the specific areas of the brain. Such brain injuries can impair behavioral development and seriously influence behavior patterns. A family member with a similar condition can increase a child’s vulnerability towards developing ODD. Environmental factors such as a dysfunctional family life or a family history of mental illnesses and/or substance abuse, and inconsistent discipline by parents are prominent reasons for development of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in children.