Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a troublesome pattern of defiant, disobedient and hostile behavior in children and teens, toward authority figures that continues for a period of at least six months. W.D. Tynan, PhD., states that the base prevalence rate for this disorder is somewhere between 1 and 16 percent, yet surveys from non-clinical samples range between 6 and10 percent; so, at minimum, 1 to 16 percent of children and teenagers in school (or of school-age) have ODD. Also, according to Tynan, the disorder most frequently appears in boys in multiple contexts, and manifests before the age of 8 years.
Symptoms
Behaviors included in this disorder are that the child argues excessively with adults and authority figures, intentionally defies and disobeys requests and questions rules. Additionally, other signs that may be observed include: refuses to follow rules; intentionally annoys others; does not take responsibility for behavior and blames others; is stubborn and gets annoyed and angry easily; and, can be manipulative, spiteful and revenge-seeking. The child may say hurtful or mean things when angry, with frequent temper tantrums. Finally, Tynan, estimates that 50 to 65 percent of children with ODD also have the comorbid diagnosis of ADHD.
Etiology
Data suggest that behavioral problems in children may occur as the result of defects in, or injuries to, the brain. Moreover, ODD is associated with abnormal amounts of chemicals known as neurotransmitters; basically, neuro-transmitters enhance communication among neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. Malfunction of this cellular communication process is associated with ODD symptoms. Also, other biological factors found in some aggressive or delinquent children and those diagnosed with ODD, is a difficult temperament of the child, low physiological arousal in response to stimulation and above-normal levels of testosterone. The appearance of the disorder at such a young age questions the role of hereditary factors. Many diagnosed individuals have a family history of mental illness; so, these findings indicate that genetics may produce a predisposition or vulnerability to developing ODD.
Treatment
Treatment may consist of anger management and social skills training for the child, as well as parental training to learn effective communication and parenting techniques to deal with ODD children. At times, medication also may be prescribed. ODD is intense and difficult experience for parents, who need support.
