Is Your Child Suffering from Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when they are tired, hungry, or upset. They may throw tantrums, disobey, and/or argue with parents, teachers, and other adults. Oppositional behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents, and is generally even expected. When this behavior becomes so frequent and consistent that it stands out as abnormal or excessive when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level, or when it begins to affect the child's social, academic and family life, there is reason for concern.

Oppositional defiant disorder is a persistent pattern (lasting for at least six months) of negativistic, hostile, disobedient, and defiant behavior in a child or teen without serious violation of the basic rights of others. This disorder is more common in boys than in girls before puberty, but equal in both sexes after puberty. Between two and sixteen percent of children display this pattern. Some children with ODD may go on to develop called conduct disorder.

Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder:

Individuals with oppositional defiant disorder argue repeatedly with adults, lose their temper, and feel great anger and resentment. They often ignore adult rules and requests, deliberately annoy other people, and blame others for their own mistakes and problems. This pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior is persistent and serious enough to interfere with day to day functioning.

Individuals with ODD are often very difficult to be around. The destructiveness and disagreeableness they exhibit are purposeful, and they often get enjoyment out of seeing someone else hurt or angry. They are rarely truly sorry for causing others harm, and generally believe nothing is their fault.