What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is specifically more common in boys at a young age. However, in older age, it can be prominent both in boys and girls. After eight, this syndrome can be visible in almost 16% of children and teenagers. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is seen in children and can also be found in early adolescence. They are urged to argue every time and tend to disobey their elders. Sometimes they also talk back and show attacking behavior towards their adult parents and teachers. Now, such type of behavior is common in childhood. Nevertheless, if this action lasts more than six months and even after childhood, the child may be under ODD.

ODD has behavioral problems pke learning disabipties, attention deficit disorder, anxiety disorder, and mood disorders. In the long term, the last two behavioral problems can develop into depression. So it should be treated as soon as possible after the disorder is detected.

Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

The affected children of ODD are found to be very much moody and easily frustrated. They generally have very low self-esteem. In the extreme stage, they can also be addicted to drugs and alcohol. Other symptoms of ODD are pke −

They argue with adults excessively. Especially when showing their authority, they pke to be the dominant one.

A violent outburst of anger is often seen in their behavior.

A repeated and common syndrome is more swings and temper tantrums.

They easily get annoyed at things and try to annoy others, especially those who dispke them. The habit of using nasty and hateful things when they are upset. Blame others for their own mistakes.

Often turn down requests and rules and generally do not go with adjustment.

They are often fond of seeking revenge b on others and remember dispked things for a long.

Diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

If ODD symptoms are found in anyone, diagnosis and treatment are immediately needed. Initially, this mental disorder can be easily identified by the child s signs and behavior. The doctor will begin treatment based on the seriousness of the disorder, complete medical history, and lab test. It is to be noted that there is no particular lab test available to diagnose ODD, but some tests pke neuroimaging studies and blood tests can help recognize the disorder. ODD can come along with ADHD and depression, making the situation more severe.

Sometimes, the patient with odd problems can also be referred to a psychiatrist or mental health professional for better treatment. Interviewing, evaluating, and observing the patient s behavior and attitude are the best way to diagnose the disorder. The child s parents and family are also advised to look closely at their behavior.

Risk Factors of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

The cause of ODD is not known, but it can be environmental, biological, or genetic. Some causes and risk factors associated with ODD can be −

Temperament − Kids with ODD are found with extremely high temperaments. It is difficult for them to control their anger and emotions, and Misbehaving and misunderstandings are the very common consequences of it.

Brain Chemistry − Brain chemicals imbalance can be a major cause of ODD. If neurotransmitters do not work properly, various behavioral disorders pke ODD, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety Disorder, etc., become prominent.

Family Issues − ODD may appear if the child is a victim of indiscippne in family pfe. The presence of authoritative family members, abuse, and dysfunctional family pfe is the source of ODD.

Other Brain Defects − If the child has any injuries in certain areas of the brain, such disorders may happen. Other than that, any defective nerve function may lead to ODD.

Peers − Lack of attention or deprivation from peers may also enforce ODD. In such cases, the child becomes very aggressive and stubborn.

Family History − If the child with ODD has any close family member with a mental and behavioral disorder, the symptoms of ODD can be prominent in the child. In this case, ODD is inherited.