Opposing Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Your Child
Children are occasionally oppositional, especially “when tired, hungry, stressed or upset,” says the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Arguing, rebelling, talking back, and defying rules to the point of stubbornness can be expected from toddlers and teens from time to time. It is of concern, however, when this behavior is extreme, frequent, and affecting their development and relationships with others.
Extreme defiance may be a sign of ODD or oppositional defiant disorder. While mild forms can improve as your child grows older, they may need treatment. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stopping oppositional defiant disorder is possible with early treatment. For severe forms, treatment can prevent ODD from worsening into a conduct disorder.
ODD: What You Need to Know
The Child Mind Institute describes children with oppositional defiant disorder as displaying “extreme resistance to authority, conflict with parents, outbursts of temper and spitefulness with peers.”
According to the DSM-5 criteria, for a child to be diagnosed with ODD, they must exhibit a pattern of behavior that contributes to issues at home or school, and the symptoms must also be observed for six months or longer. The condition must also occur on its own, meaning not as an integral part of other emotional or medical conditions.
Symptoms of ODD
According to the Mayo Clinic, ODD “Includes at least four symptoms from any of these categories — angry and irritable mood; argumentative and defiant behavior; or vindictiveness.” Some of the symptoms of ODD, according to WebMD, include:
- Throwing repeated temper tantrums
- Excessively arguing with adults, especially those with authority
- Actively refusing to comply with requests and rules
- Deliberately trying to annoy or upset others, or being easily annoyed by others
- Blaming others for their mistakes
- Having frequent outbursts of anger and resentment
- Being spiteful and seeking revenge
- Swearing or using obscene language
- Saying mean and hateful things when upset
- Moody, easily frustrated, with low self-esteem
Recognizing the symptoms can be a challenge. A licensed therapist can assess your child’s symptoms and make a proper diagnosis of ODD.
Causes of ODD and Risks
The Cleveland Clinic says, “The exact cause of ODD is not known, but it is believed that a combination of biological, genetic, and environmental factors might play a role.” Possible biological causes include brain injuries or a congenital defect that makes the brain incapable of properly producing or releasing regulatory chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Individuals may also be genetically predisposed. A child without biological or genetic predisposition, though, may also be at risk for ODD if they live in an environment that isn’t supportive of healthy development. Having a dysfunctional family life, living with someone abusing a substance, or having an unhealthy environment can be as influential.
ODD is an emotional and behavioral condition that has to be given attention because it carries certain risks. It can disrupt your child’s functioning and daily activities, and deter them from enjoying their interactions with you and the rest of the family, not to mention with other children. It can also make them more likely to experience other mental health conditions, including depression, ADHD, and anxiety.
Without treatment, ODD may get worse, developing into a conduct disorder. The latter is a more serious form of disruptive behavior disorder, often observed in teens who had ODD as children. The symptoms of the two conditions overlap, meaning there are certain similarities, except that conduct disorders are more severe and usually occur among adolescents. Treatment can resolve or minimize your child’s symptoms.
Stop ODD Symptoms in Its Tracks
The challenge of recognizing the symptoms of ODD makes a thorough evaluation critical, so your child can be provided with immediate and proper help. You have the power to change your child’s circumstances. Stop ODD from becoming complicated—bring in professional help from Carolina Counseling Services — Pittsboro, NC.
If your child is struggling with the symptoms of ODD, your family can be faced with serious challenges brought about by the condition, directly or indirectly. There is no reason to make things unnecessarily difficult for you and your loved ones. Counseling can help.
Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment. Online counseling and in person sessions are available!