Understanding ODD

Learn About Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a childhood disorder that is defined by a pattern of hostile, disobedient, and defiant behaviors directed at adults or other authority figures. ODD is also characterized by children displaying angry and irritable moods, as well as argumentative and vindictive behaviors. While all children will display some type of defiant behavior throughout their growing years, children suffering from ODD will display such behaviors much more commonly than that of any other type of behaviors. For these kids, it can seem like nothing can be done to make them happy. These children will not only do things to purposely cause conflict or to purposely annoy the people around them, but they will oftentimes place the blame on others.

Statistics

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Statistics

Oppositional defiant disorder is one of the most common behavioral disorders in children. It is estimated that about 10.2% of all children will develop ODD, but the true prevalence of its existence is still debated amongst professionals. It has been said that, prior to the onset of puberty, ODD is more prevalent in boys than it is in girls. However, once puberty has been reached and surpassed, the number becomes more equivalent between the sexes, with the condition being said to occur in about 11% of boys and 9% in girls. Girls, however, tend to display the symptoms of ODD differently than boys will.

Encouragingly, it is estimated that around two thirds of children who are diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder will overcome the vast majority of their behavioral disturbances as they continue to grow older. Some studies have shown that by the age of 18, nearly 70% of children previously struggling with ODD no longer have symptoms of the disorder.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and Risk Factors for ODD

The specific causes that might be attributed to the onset of ODD cannot be narrowed down to any one specific factor. It is widely believed that a combination of factors work together towards causing a person to develop the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder. The following are some examples of various causes and factors that may play a role in the development of ODD:

Genetic: It is common for children who are diagnosed with ODD to have family members who also suffer from various mental illnesses. Such illnesses can include mood disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders. This fact suggests that there is most likely a genetic component that leads a person to be more susceptible to developing oppositional defiant disorder, as opposed to a person who has not next been exposed to the same type of genetics.

Physical: The presence of oppositional defiant disorder traits have been linked to the existence of abnormal amounts of certain brain chemicals. These brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, work towards helping to keep the brain chemicals themselves balanced properly. When an imbalance exists, and messages are suddenly unable to communicate properly with other aspects of the brain, symptoms of ODD may occur.

Environmental: The environment in which a person is raised can have a significant effect on whether or not he or she may fall in to the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder. If a child is surrounded by a somewhat chaotic home life (where violence, arguments, and other forms of general discord) are prevalent, it would not be unreasonable to assume that the child could begin acting out at as a result. Similarly, if children are exposed to violence or have friends who behave in destructive, reckless manners, those children too are more likely to begin displaying behavioral symptoms that correlate with the onset of ODD.

Risk Factors:

Familial discord
Dysfunctional home life
Exposure to violence
History of mental illness within the family
Exposure to substance abuse
Inconsistent parenting (inconsistent discipline, inconsistent interaction, etc.)
Abuse / neglect

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

The signs and symptoms of ODD will vary from person to person. There may also be a significant difference in how the symptoms present themselves in boys as opposed to how they are presented in girls. The following are some examples of signs and symptoms that may be evidence that a child is struggling with oppositional defiance disorder:

Behavioral symptoms:

Easily losing one’s temper / throwing repeated temper tantrums
Arguing
Fighting
Refusing to follow rules
Deliberately acting in a way that will annoy others
Blaming others
Blatant hostility towards others
Being unwilling to compromise or negotiate
Willingly destroying friendships
Being spiteful and seeking revenge
Blatant and repeated disobedience

Cognitive symptoms:

Frequent frustration
Difficulty concentrating
Failure to “think before speaking”

Psychosocial symptoms:

Difficulty making friends
Loss of self-esteem
Persistent negativity
Consistent feelings of annoyance

Effects

Effects of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

It is vital for parents to seek help for their child before the problems become severe and lead to complications in their lives. Children who do not receive treatment and support for their ODD may suffer from long-lasting effects. Such effects can include:

Social isolation
Lack of friendships
An inability to develop meaningful relationships
Difficulty in educational settings

If the disorder remains untreated, the following effects can result in adults when they have not received the proper help required to manage their symptoms of ODD:

Ongoing patterns of relationship conflicts
Trying to control others
Unable to “let go” of grudges / having difficulty forgiving
Arguing with authority figures that can result in negative consequences, such as being fired from a job

Co-Occurring Disorders

ODD and Co-Occurring Disorders

Oppositional defiant disorder tends to coincide with the existence of other disorders. Most commonly, children suffering from ODD also tend to suffer from, or experience symptoms of: