What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder: is that a fancy name for the terrible twos? Or does it instead refer to the age when teenagers defy their parents about almost anything on a daily basis?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder affects approximately 16 percent of children and teens. Although that may not seem like a large percentage of children, for those it affects, it has an extremely adverse impact on the parent-child relationship.
Dr. Lisa Whiteaker from Cookeville, TN, explains that ODD can be distinguished from regular defiant behavior by the fact that it lasts longer than six months and involves an excessive defiance of authority. This behavior is hostile, annoying, excessively argumentative, and it interferes with all relationships in which an authority, such as a parent, teacher, or peer is involved. The symptoms range from hurtful speech to outbursts of anger and resentment. Seeing a child behave this way can be frightening and embarrassing for the parent or authority as they seek to get the child under control.
Dr. Whiteaker asserts that ODD is caused by a combination of biological abnormalities in the chemistry of the brain. Professional testing is necessary in order to diagnose properly whether the child has ODD. In some cases, a family history of mental illness or a diagnosis of other issues, such as ADHD or anxiety, or a learning disability, such as dyslexia, can exacerbate ODD.
What can be done to help the child and their family? Some cases of ODD are so extreme that the child may need medication. In other cases, counseling proves an effective tool, especially when it employs problem-solving skills, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy. Parents can often be taught techniques to help alter and defuse a difficult situation.
The Mayo Clinic lists the criteria for a diagnosis of ODD:
- Includes at least four symptoms from any of these categories: angry and irritable mood, argumentative and defiant behavior, or vindictiveness
- Occurs with at least one individual who is not a sibling
- Causes significant problems at work, school, or home
- Occurs on its own, rather than as part of the course of another mental health problem, such as a substance use disorder, depression, or bipolar disorder
- Lasts at least six months
DSM-5 criteria for the diagnosis of ODD include both emotional and behavioral symptoms.
Angry and Irritable Mood:
- Often loses temper
- Is often touchy or easily annoyed by others
- Is often angry and resentful
Argumentative and Defiant Behavior:
- Often argues with adults or people in authority
- Often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults’ requests or rules
- Often deliberately annoys people
- Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
Vindictiveness:
- Is often spiteful or vindictive
- Has shown spiteful or vindictive behavior at least twice in the past six months
It is important for the parent to recognize the symptoms of ODD early and to start age-appropriate treatment. ODD can lead to poor school and work performance, impulse control problems, substance use, and suicide.
As in all situations, we need to pray to the Lord for guidance. James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to hi
I’ve never heard of this disorder and am glad to learn of it. Thanks for this informative post.
You are so welcome!
My niece was diagnosed with this at about age 5 … she’s 26 now and is STILL a mess. And my sister got her every available treatment known to man. Our family has been nothing but loving and supportive and she (my niece) says horrible things about us. 🙁
I don’t know – how much of this kind of thing is truly authentic and how much is just sinful humanity? Why are we seeing more and more of this along with autism and Alzheimer’s? Is it our diets? We’re overly medicated? Are other countries seeing this, too?
My husband thinks it’s partly the crap we allow in our foods and partly that every generation born is one generation further from the perfection of the Garden of Eden – one generation further into sin. Makes sense to me.
Thank you Pam for your comments. I agree that our diet and environment are contributors to many diseases and ailments . Also, since we are deprived from our sinful nature, we are falling deeper and deeper into despair. I will say a prayer for your family!
Thanks, Lee Ann! A wayward child is always distressing, no matter how old she is.
So true Pan, thank you!
Debra Blair grandmother of kaevon 19yr old been dealing with this behavior snice he was in early grade school, he attended a school that gave him skills dealing with his anger, then when he enter middle school, behavior spiraling out of control getting kid out of every school he attended. yes had a problem with authority and following the rules. praying that he can get his behavior together. where he lived a productive life with help of the Lord. information was very informative.