What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
A persistent pattern of anger, defiance, and vindictiveness against authority figures could be a sign of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). ODD is a behavioral disorder that results in defiance and anger against authority. It can affect a person’s work, school, and social life.
ODD in children and adolescents
Symptoms of ODD include frequent temper tantrums or episodes of anger
- Refusal to comply with adult request
- Sexcessive arguing with adults and authority figures
- Always questioning or actively disregarding rules
- Behavior intended to upset, annoy, or anger others
- Blaming others for their own mistakes or misbehaviors
Treatment options include:
Individual cognitive behavioral therapy: A psychologist will work with the child to improve: anger management skills, communication skills, impulse control, problem-solving skills
- Family therapy
- Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT): Therapists will coach the parents as they interact with their children
- Peer groups
- Medications
- However, there is no specific medication to treat ODD itself
Adult
There is some overlap in ODD symptoms between children and adults. Symptoms in adults with ODD include: feeling angry at the world, feeling misunderstood or disliked, and blaming others for their own mistakes.
- The disorder is often difficult to diagnose in adults because many of the symptoms overlap with antisocial behaviors, substance abuse, and other disorders.
Behavioral Patterns
They show a behavioral pattern
- A person must have a pattern of angry or irritable moods, argumentative or defiant behaviors, or vindictiveness lasting at least six months.
- During this time, they need to display at least four of the following behaviors from any category. At least one of these symptoms must be displayed with someone who is not a sibling
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