What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or ODD, is a behavior disorder that involves chronic aggressive behavior, hostility, and defiance toward others. While most youth will experience forms of anger and aggression at some point, the requirement for diagnosing ODD is 6 months or more of frequent irritability, defiant behavior, and vindictiveness. These behaviors are measured through three levels: mild, moderate, and severe.
Diagnosis & Treatment:
There is no definite cause of ODD, but experts have linked it to various neurological and environmental causes ranging from abuse and neglect to natural temperament and brain function. Despite the possible causes, there’s no need to feel guilt if someone you know is diagnosed with ODD: many children in stable environments with loving communities can still be affected by it.
ODD is usually diagnosed in childhood, where children are confronted with several authoritative figures that they may show contempt towards openly. Oftentimes, ODD is prevalent with ADHD or mood and anxiety disorders, and if it is left untreated, it can lead to issues in adulthood. Typically, psychotherapy and medication is used to help people with ODD understand their emotions and find ways to manage them.
How to Help:
In addition, lifestyle patterns incorporated at home can also be extremely beneficial for children with ODD. Creating clear boundaries, setting stable routines, and positively reinforcing improvements and behaviors go a long way. While you can’t control the diagnosis you or someone you love receives, what can be controlled is how you react and understand it.
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