Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is thought to be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. ODD tends to occur in families with a history of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), substance use disorders, or mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Research has suggested that ODD cases are often comorbid to cases of ASD, but due to the difficulty of assessing similar symptoms and attributing the different motivations that underly an ODD diagnosis, it is enormously difficult for clinicians to separate the two.
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a type of behavior disorder. Children with ODD are uncooperative, defiant, and hostile toward peers, parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Developmental problems may cause ODD.
ODD and CD are diagnosed more often in boys than in girls. If not managed promptly, ODD can progress to CD, which can then transition to antisocial personality disorder.
A lot of kids with behavior problems are diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). But sometimes kids who seem to have ODD are actually struggling with anxiety, OCD or a learning disorder.
No medications are FDA-approved for the treatment of ODD in the U.S. Nonetheless, clinical experience has shown that the majority of children and adolescents with ODD do show signs of improvement with a low dose of atypical neuroleptics – arippirazole (Abilify) and risperidone (Risperidal), for example.
Children with Asperger's Syndrome exhibit poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, limited facial expressions and other peculiar mannerisms. They might engage in obsessive routines and show an unusual sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
Children born to mothers who smoked during gestation are also at an increased risk of developing ODD. Some research suggests that the behavioral patterns seen with ODD are developed in children with mood/ anxiety disorders as a means of coping.
Kids may grow out of ODD, but without treatment many will continue to have behavior problems. Getting treatment early can put kids on a better track for the future and make life easier for the whole family.
ODD is genetic.
Oppositional defiant behavior tends to run in families. Studies show that the development of the condition is more heavily influenced by genes than it is by environmental factors. A child diagnosed with ODD quite frequently has a first-degree relative with ODD.
Key points about ODD in children
Children with ODD are uncooperative, defiant, and hostile toward peers, parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Developmental problems may cause ODD. Or the behaviors may be learned. A child with ODD may argue a lot with adults or refuse to do what they ask.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
ODD usually starts before 8 years of age, but no later than by about 12 years of age. Children with ODD are more likely to act oppositional or defiant around people they know well, such as family members, a regular care provider, or a teacher.
Children with ODD often do well with early treatment. In fact, the earlier the condition is managed, the better the prognosis. Many children are free of the behavioral patterns within three years of treatment. It was once believed that those affected by the condition would outgrow it by early adulthood.
Therapy. Therapy is the first-line treatment for oppositional behavior. When a child has an ODD diagnosis, it's helpful for parents to participate in therapy to learn supportive behavior management strategies.
Conclusion: Methylphenidate seems to be an effective treatment for ODD, as well as for ADHD itself.
These students can appear defiant, disobedient, angry and irritable. They might argue with parents, teachers and other students. They may find it hard to follow teachers' instructions. They may lose their temper if they feel like something isn't going their way.
If untreated, ODD may lead to anxiety, depression, or a more serious disorder called conduct disorder. A child or teen with conduct disorder may harm or threaten people or animals, damage property or engage in serious violations of rules.
Anxiety too can influence ODD like symptoms. Anxious people by definition can be irritable and fatigued or easily agitated. When anxious children feel cornered or their anxiety levels increase, they very often show their teeth and their claws or they shut down or don't participate. They avoid situations.
A child (or adult) can be given an ODD diagnosis without an autism diagnosis; however every child/adult diagnosed with PDA is autistic.
A child with ODD may also have a greater likelihood of an ADHD diagnosis or other mental health conditions such as mood disorders or anxiety.
Doctors have found that ODD can be a precursor to CD. CD is a more serious behavioral disorder that can result in destructive antisocial behavior.
Psychosocial treatments are considered the “gold standards” and most effective interventions for children with ODD. Parent-training programs, especially those targeting younger children, are among the most extensively studied treatments for children with ODD and are recommended as the first line approach.