1. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Behavioral Disorder
By Theo Dounias

2. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Definition
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Is a childhood behavioural disorder that is characterized by -
Negative
Defiant
Disobedient
And often hostile behaviour toward adults and authority.
In order to be diagnosed, the behaviours must occur for at least a period of 6 months.

3. Symptoms and Features
The child must show four out of the eight signs and symptoms to be diagnosed with ODD.
Must be considered beyond normal child behaviour to fit the diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms:
often loses temper
often argues with adults
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 misbehaviour
is often touchy or easily annoyed by others
is often angry and resentful
Refuses to obey rules
Has low self esteem.

4. Onset and Duration
ODD behaviours usually appear when the child is at primary school, but also can be found in children as young as three years of age. If the child is under 5 years of age, the behaviours should happen most days over the period of 6 months or more.
For children over 5 years behaviours are shown once a week for 6 months.
There is no set duration for this disorder. If a child is diagnosed early and receives help and treatment, they may grow out of it as an adult. Some children do not grow out of it and develop Conductive Disorder as adults. These people become physically violent as adults and disobey laws.

5. Prevalence and Risk Factors
Around 10.2% of all children will develop ODD, with the condition occurring slightly more commonly in boys (11%) than girls (9%).
ODD is caused by a number of risk factors.
Biological Factors – ODD can be hereditary.
Brain injuries
High levels of testosterone.

6. Social Risk Factors
Socio – economic factors like poverty and violence in the community can cause ODD.
Other Risk factors include -
Lack of parental supervision
Lack of encouragement
Inconsistent discipline
Child abuse

7. Environmental Risk Factors
Negative parenting practices.
Family history of mental illnesses and substance abuse
A dysfunctional family or infrequent discipline by a parent or guardian can lead to the development of behavioural disorders.

8. Treatment There are 2 main treatments for ODD –
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy -
A behavioural therapy called parent-child interaction therapy.
The parent and child work together through exercises while a therapist coaches parents through a ear bud.
 Parents learn to increase positive behaviours with the child and set consequences for bad behaviour. 
The child builds a structured relationship with the parent/ guardian.
Individual Therapy –
Anger management skills
Problem solving skills
Skills to help cope with stress
Biomedical Treatment -
Medicines are not specifically for ODD.
Many children with ODD have other conditions such as ADHD as well.
Medication is taken for the other disorders such as ADHD to help with ODD.

9. Bibliography