Oppositional behavior might be a normal development phase for some toddlers and preteens and it is a common childhood response to stress, according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. However, oppositional behavior becomes a serious mental health issue when the child engages in consistently hostile and uncooperative behavior that negatively affects all aspects of the child's life. Oppositional defiant disorder involves oppositional behavior that meets the definition of a behavior disorder.
Oppositional Behavior
Toddlers and preteens often exhibit oppositional behavior when they are tired, hungry or angry and many teenagers become oppositional as a normal part of growing up. Oppositional behavior can include defiance, disobedience and argumentative behavior with adults. Normal oppositional behavior in children and teens resembles the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder. However, the behavior is inconsistent and does not seem abnormal when compared to children of the same age and development.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder, also known as ODD, is a behavior disorder characterized by a continuing pattern of uncooperative behavior toward adults. Children with ODD are hostile, irritable and defiant. They display negative and annoying attitudes to peers and authority figures. The behavior of children with ODD interferes with their education and socialization, and results in serious consequences for the child. Oppositional defiant disorder is more common in boys, according to the Children's Hospital Boston.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Children with oppositional defiant disorder display oppositional behavior that is frequent and excessive, including temper tantrums, argumentative behavior with adults, intentionally annoying behavior. Oppositional children refuse to obey adults or follow rules. They are easily annoyed and quick to blame others for their problems. Oppositional defiant disorder is diagnosed by psychiatrists or other mental health professionals who perform a detailed evaluation of the child's behavior and history, often in combination with psychological testing.
Causes and Prevention
Experts point to two theories for potential causes of oppositional defiant disorder in children. The development theory states that ODD begins during the toddler years and results from attachment and unresolved development issues. The learning theory states that oppositional behavior is encouraged when parents use negative reinforcement techniques. Other experts believe that the disorder develops through a sequence of developmental experiences, possibly beginning with ineffective parenting and leading to a pattern of oppositional behavior.
Treatment
Mental health professionals recommend early identification and treatment of oppositional defiant disorder. Treatment can involve individual psychotherapy focusing on behavior modification and skills development, family counseling focusing on parenting skills or peer group therapy focusing on interpersonal skills. Psychiatrists can recommend medication if the child has other mental health diagnoses in addition to oppositional defiant disorder.
