Oppositional defiant disorder is a repetitive and persistent pattern of opposition defiant disobedient and disruptive behaviours towards authority figures persisting for at least 6 months.
Examples of such behaviours are:
- Persistent stubbornness and refusal to comply with instructions or unwillingness to compromise with adults or peers
- Deliberate and persistent testing of the limits
- Failing to accept responsibility and blaming others for one’s mistakes
- Deliberately annoying others
- Frequently losing temper
Although the disorder does not include the more aggressive aspects conduct disorder, many children go on to be later diagnosed with conduct disorders.
Oppositional defiant disorder is thought to result from interplay of factors in the child’s characteristics, parental interactions and environmental factors.
Serious conflict between the parents and family history of mental health problems such as depression, ADHD or antisocial personality disorder is often present.
The management should focus on alleviating known risk factors or stresses that might be contributing to the development of oppositional behaviour.
Interventions are directed towards enhancing parent’s skills in conflict resolution, communication and the child’s skills in effective communication and anger management.
Use of stimulant medication is effective in patients with ODD.
