Oppositional Defiant Disorder

What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

All children fight with their parents, siblings, friends, classmates, and teachers -- from time to time.

In fact, oppositional behavior is a normal part of development for children and early adolescents.

Often these behaviors happen when the child is tired, hungry, stressed or upset.

However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is frequent and consistent; when it stands out when compared with other children of the same age.

Hence, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) can be defined as an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the child’s day to day functioning.

Symptoms of ODD may include:

• • Refusal to comply with adult requests and rules

  • Deliberate attempts to upset others

  • Frequent temper tantrums

  • Excessive arguing with adults

  • Spite, and revenge seeking

  • Questioning rules regularly

  • Being easily annoyed or angered

  • Mean and hateful talking

  • Blaming others

The symptoms are usually seen in multiple settings, but may be more noticeable at home or at school.

The causes of ODD are unknown, but many parents report that their child with ODD was more rigid and demanding that the child’s siblings from an early age. Biological, psychological and social factors may have a role.

Evaluation and Treatment

A child presenting with ODD symptoms should have a comprehensive evaluation. It is important to look for other disorders which may be present; such as ADHD, learning disabilities, depressive disorders and anxiety disorders.

Treatment of ODD may include: Parent Management Training Programs to help parents and others manage the child’s behavior. Individual Psychotherapy to develop more effective anger management. Family Psychotherapy to improve communication and mutual understanding. Cognitive Problem-Solving Skills Training and Therapies to assist with problem solving and decrease negativity. Social Skills Training to increase flexibility and improve social skills and frustration tolerance with peers.

Medication may be helpful in controlling some symptoms of ODD as well as the symptoms related to coexistent conditions.

In addition, many children with ODD will respond to the positive parenting techniques.

A child and adolescent therapist can diagnose and treat ODD.

Contact Us

If you have questions, or to learn more about Child Counseling in Cambridge, MA, contact Thrive Boston Counseling at 617-395-5806.