Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) Diagnosis & Treatment

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) Overview

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a childhood behavioral disorder characterized by frequent, recurring patterns of defiance, disobedience and hostility towards authoritative figures, including parents, teachers or other adults. Children and adolescents with ODD may display enraged, spiteful behavior including a desire to seek revenge.

ODD is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence stages. Not all instances of uncooperative or challenging behavior indicate that a child has ODD. The display of negative behavior should be severe, persistent and disruptive to the child’s daily functions to be diagnosed as ODD. This behavioral disorder can significantly impact relationships for the child, their performance at school and social interactions.

Signs and Symptoms of ODD

Signs and symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder generally show up between five and 10 years old. Symptoms for this age range are apparent in multiple settings but are most evident at home or at school. Common symptoms and behaviors associated with ODD include:

Anger and irritability; frequent outbursts of anger and easily loses temper

Argumentative and disrespectful with adults

Actively refuses to follow rules or instructions; often questions requests

Deliberately tries to annoy or upset others

Blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior

Touchy or easily annoyed by others

Exhibits a resentful attitude

Says mean and hateful words when angry upset

How is ODD diagnosed?

If your child displays symptoms of ODD, it is important to contact a health care professional who specializes in behavioral or mental health. Our team will complete a comprehensive evaluation with you and your child. During the assessment, you will be asked to discuss your concerns of your child’s behavior and to provide an overview of your family history, medical history and their social interactions.

Children and adolescents who are diagnosed with ODD are often diagnosed with other behavioral health conditions, including:

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

Anxiety disorders, including OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)

Impulse control disorders

Learning disorders

Mood disorders, including depression

Treatment Options for ODD

The recommended treatment for your child diagnosed with ODD varies based on a range of factors including their age, severity of symptoms, ability to participate in therapy and other underlying conditions. Treatments are tailored to each patient and their unique diagnosis and will typically involve your child, your family and their school or place of learning. Your child’s treatment plan may include one or a combination of the following options:

Parent Management Therapy (PMT) is used to help teach parents and others positive reinforcement strategies to manage the child’s behavior and support positive conduct.
Individual Psychotherapy is a variety of treatments that focuses on helping supervisors to recognize and change inappropriate behaviors. It is often recommended to help develop more effective anger management techniques.
Family Psychotherapy focuses on children with ODD and their caretakers. Together, families will learn how to improve communication, problem solve and how to gain mutual understanding.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented individual therapy structured to decrease negativity. A health care professional will help your child learn to understand how their thoughts impact their actions.
Social Skills Training is recommended to help improve flexibility and enhance social skills and tolerance with peers.
Medications may be prescribed to help manage some of the more disturbing symptoms of ODD as well as the symptoms related to coexistent conditions such as ADHD, anxiety and depression.

Connect With Our Team

If you suspect that your child may display signs of ODD, it is important to request an appointment with a behavioral or mental health professional. Early intervention and appropriate treatment can help address ODD and improve a child’s behavior and everyday functioning. At Hattiesburg Clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for children diagnosed with ODD.

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder)

ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) Overview

Signs and Symptoms of ODD

Causes of ODD

How is ODD diagnosed?

Treatment Options for ODD

Connect With Our Team

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