Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is one of the more difficult behavioral disorders faced by families and educators. While it is considered to many to be a minor form of Conduct Disorder, the special challenges presented by a child with ODD can make it seem that there is no hope of ever making progress with the child.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder is characterized by aggressiveness and a tendency to purposefully bother and irritate others. There is a pattern of negative, hostile, and/or defiant behaviors that must present at least four of the following behaviors for at least six months in order for a child to receive a diagnosis of ODD. Among the possible behaviors that could signify ODD are: often losing temper; often arguing with adults; often actively defying those in authority, or refusing to comply with adults’ requests or rules; often deliberately annoying people; often blaming others for his/her own mistakes or misbehavior; often "touchy" or easily annoyed by others; often angry and resentful; and/or often being spiteful and vindictive. Given that these are behaviors that may all be present at some point in a child’s development, the key becomes differentiating between what is "normal" unacceptable behavior, and what constitutes unacceptable behavior of a magnitude to potentially be classified as ODD. One of the main criteria is that the unacceptable behaviors must be present more than what is considered normal for a growing child. There are many guidelines available to help the assessor or parent determine if the child is actually suffering from ODD. It should be noted that ODD is quite frequently accompanied by one or more other disorders. The most common co-morbidity occurs in children who are diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Thirty to forty percent of these children will also have ODD. The other common disorder accompanying ODD is depression. Roughly 15-20% of children with ODD also suffer from some form of depression.
Treatment of ODD consists primarily of behavioral management techniques. Family group therapy may also prove beneficial. Parents can benefit from counseling on how to set appropriate limits for their child, and how to remain consistent in the face of deliberate provocation. If there is a co-existing condition, such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or depression, it is preferable to treat the co-existing condition first. The alleviation of the symptoms of that condition may actually result in a significant amount of improvement in the child’s behavior. There have been studies that have shown that medication can be an effective means of controlling the more severe aspects of ODD. However, it should be noted that one of the best strategies that is possibly just as beneficial is the placing of the child in a highly structured setting and/or treatment program.
