Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a neurological or behavioral disorder that is characterized by excessive defiance towards adults or authority, often accompanied by arguing and frequent angry outbursts. The condition can occur separately, but is often seen in conjunction with Attention Deficit Disorder, anxiety and depression. It can be difficult to diagnose because many of the traits are normal for children and adolescents. What sets ODD apart from normal behavior is the frequency and severity of the symptoms.
Features
The person may be spiteful and often seeks revenge against those he imagines have wronged him. The condition is often accompanied by swearing or the use of obscene language, refusing to to take responsibility for his own actions, refusing to comply with reasonable requests and rule breaking. He may purposefully be mean to others or become annoying and try to upset others. Behavior may include temper tantrums filled with hateful comments.
Theories/Speculation
The cause of ODD is unknown, but there appear to several contributing factors. Biological factors may play a role. Defects or injuries to the brain may cause abnormal amounts of neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are necessary to transmit messages and allow areas of the brain to communicate with each other. An imbalance of these chemicals may cause the messages to be intercepted or rerouted in a way that causes some of the behaviors seen in ODD. Genetics may play a role. Children and teens with ODD generally have a higher rate of other mental disorders in their family. Environment is thought to be a contributing factor. Family dysfunction, inadequate discipline and the presence of mental illness in the household appear to contribute the onset of ODD.
Identification
There currently are no medical tests that diagnose ODD. A diagnosis relies on the expertise of the evaluator who will use his clinical experience and judgment to assess behavior questionaires filled out by parents, teachers and other adults in the child's life. The child will be interviewed and observed for the presence of symptoms and behaviors related to ODD. A psychological assessment will be completed to rule out or identify co-existing disorders like ADHD, depression or anxiety.
Prevention/Solution
Treatment of ODD requires consistency and patience. Other existing conditions should be treated before or in conjunction with the onset of treatment for ODD. Parent education to improve parenting skills and to learn techniques for dealing with the ODD child is necessary. This training involves learning to use time out techniques, setting realistic limits and sticking to them, providing healthy choices, remaining calm and reacting with reason, following schedules and praising the child for positive behaviors. Individual and/or family counseling may be in order, particularly if the disorder has existed for some time, if the family is under stress or there are other mental illnesses in the family.
Potential
Early intervention and consistent expectations that are enforced fairly and promptly, along with the expression of unconditional love can bring positive results. Behavior improves as the child builds confidence in himself and trust in the adults in his life to provide guidance and consequences that are designed with his best interest in mind. Counseling may teach the child to see outside of himself and recognize that some of his perceptions are unnecessarily negative and restrictive. ODD that goes untreated or is ignored may result in conduct disorders well into adult life.
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