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 The term oppositional is defined as going against what is acceptable. Oppositional Defiant Disorder or ODD is classified as a behavioral problem characterized by episodes of disruptive behavior that follow a chronic pattern of anger and disobedience against authority. Symptoms of ODD can appear as early as 8 years of age and can last through the teenage years.

Symptoms of ODD

When we speak of ODD, we do not refer to random outbreaks of anger or disobedience. All children and teenagers will challenge their adults – its part and parcel of the growing up process. A teen is diagnosed with ODD only if he exhibits some or all of the following signs:

• Recurring temper tantrums
• Swears or uses obscene language 
• Constant arguing with adults (including parents, family members, and teachers)
• Refusal to comply with an rules or requests
• Repeatedly questioning the rules
• Indulges in behavior intended to annoy or anger others
• Is constantly unkind, harsh, and annoyed with others
• Blames other people for his mistakes
• Behavior may be focused on revenge 
• Has problems at school or with making friends as a result of this behavior
• Teens with ODD may also suffer from other behavioral problems such as ADHD, learning disabilities, depression and anxiety disorders
  

• Many teens with ODD may turn to drug or alcohol abuse

If any of these symptoms are persistent and last for more than six months, your child may be diagnosed with ODD.

Causes

While the exact cause is still not known, experts believe that the disorder may develop as a result of several factors that work in combination with each other. Possible causes of ODD include:

• ODD has been linked with an imbalance of chemicals or neurotransmitters in the brain that could lead to behavioral problems and mental illnesses.

• Teens with ODD are more likely to have family members with mental illnesses or personality disorders thus indicating a genetic link.

• A family history of drug or substance abuse is another possible cause of ODD.

• Children with behavioral problems in their toddler years are more likely to develop ODD as they grow older.

• Young children who struggled with independence and were unable to let go of their parents may be prone to ODD.

• Excessive punishment and discipline during the formative years could result in high levels of pessimism and negativity in children and develop into ODD. One theory believes that this negative reinforcement from an authority figure creates a pattern of bad behavior in the child to get more attention and concern from the parent.

• There is also a theory that permissive parenting – where the adults give in too easily to a child’s demands – can also cause ODD. Homes that lack discipline or structure can cause stress in a child and lead to behavioral problems.

• A child’s personality can also determine whether he may develop ODD or not. For example, children with a strong will or lack of positive attachment to any parent could result in negative traits and anger management issues.

Treatment

Many parents hope that such rebellious and disruptive behavior will outgrow itself, as the teen grows older. While this may happen in some cases, there is always a risk that if your teen does not recognize that his behavior is inappropriate and harmful, the problem will only escalate. Unless ODD is treated professionally and the root cause of your teen’s behavior is not addressed, it may be impossible replace the negative behavior patterns with new healthier alternatives.

Treatment for ODD may include psychotherapy and counseling for the teen and the family, cognitive behavioral therapy as a means of learning new coping skills and anger management, and peer group therapy to develop new social and interpersonal skills. Medication is only prescribed if ODD occurs in combination with other disorders such as ADHD or depression. Parent Training Programs are also recommended for parents of teens with ODD. These are formal programs that teach parents effective discipline techniques and positive negotiating skills to deal with their adolescent’s behavior.

References:

• http://web1.tch.harvard.edu/az/Site1385/mainpageS1385P4.html

• http://www.chop.edu/healthinfo/oppositional-defiant-disorder.html

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