Understanding What Oppositional Defiant Disorder Is

This is something that I personally have to deal with in my personal life. My oldest son was diagnosed with this when he was younger. I had never heard of it before his diagnosis and I know most people when I mention it have no idea what I am talking about.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder, also known as ODD, affects as many as ten to fifteen percent of children and adolescents and is more common in boys than girls.

It is pretty common for children and teenagers to defy authority once in a while. Most people observe this as contribute it to the 'terrible twos'. You see them usually expressing their defiance by arguing, disobeying and back talking to authority figures.

When this behavior is still evident after about six months and seems to be more excessive than you notice other children of the same age behaving they could very well have Oppositional Defiant Disorder. What causes this is unknown but could be caused by any envorimental, biological or genetic factors.

ODD is a condition where a child is displaying ongoing patterns of being hostile, annoying, uncooperative and defiant behavior toward authority figures. It is a psychiatric behavior disorder.

This behavior can affect normal day to day activities, their family life and also their school life and interfere with their learning.

Children with this condition are often easily frustrated, have an low self-esteem and are moody. They are more prone to abuse drugs and alcohol.

Common symptoms of ODD can be any of the following:

• Swearing and use of obscene language.
• When they are upset they can say mean and hurtful things to others.
• Blaming others for their mistakes.
• Refusing to follow rules.
• Arguing excessively with adults and other authority figures.
• Throwing temper tantrums often.
• Trying to annoy and upset others deliberately.
• Being easily annoyed by others.
• Having outbursts of anger frequently.
• Having outbursts of resentment frequently.
• Being Spiteful.
• Aggressiveness.
• Losing their temper.
• Seeking revenge.

When children have Oppositional Defiant Disorder, they may have one or more of the following conditions as well:

- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

- Anxiety Disorders

- Learning Disabilities

- Depression

- Mood Disorders

- Conduct Disorders ( a much more aggressive condition similar to ODD)

50-60% of children with ODD also have ADHD

It is not possible to prevent ODD. I have researched this and have only discovered that early detection can only help lessen the distress. Support, nurturing, discipline and love may help reduce symptoms and episodes.

Treatment could include psychotherapy and/or medication.

It is possible for some of these children to out-grow ODD and about half of the preschoolers who had been diagnosed with this seem to be considered 'normal' by about age eight.

It is important to get the support of the school system and other authority figures in your child's life. You need to work together to combat this condition.

Raising a child with this condition or any condition can be very stressful. I am having difficulty with this myself but you need to find a way to try to relax and destress so you can be better able to help your child.