Oppositional Defiance:
Does Your Child Show the Signs?

What child isn’t defiant or irritable at one time or another? Talking back, arguing, and defying are behaviors that are commonly manifested by children as toddlers and during early adolescence. However, this is why the signs of oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) are often missed by parents. If you fail to recognize the symptoms, your child won’t get the treatment they need.

It is true that disobedience, tantrums, irritability, and other unpleasant behaviors can be common for children. Watch out, however, because these behaviors can get worse if they are manifestations of ODD and the child isn’t receiving appropriate treatment. Untreated ODD can cause difficulties for your child at home and school.

Treatment from a licensed therapist is important for children struggling with ODD.

What Is ODD?

According to WebMD, “ODD is a condition in which a child displays an ongoing pattern of an angry or irritable mood, defiant or argumentative behavior, and vindictiveness toward people in authority.” The condition can make your child behave in such a disruptive way that they can’t finish everyday tasks at school or home, which can generate more negative thoughts and feelings—frustration, anger, guilt, etc.

ODD has a higher incidence in children and is likely to begin early in life. The symptoms appear at varying levels of severity—mild (symptoms manifest in one setting: home), moderate (symptoms manifest in two settings: home and school), or severe (symptoms manifest in three or more settings: home, school, with friends, etc.)

There is no clear explanation for what causes or triggers ODD. It is believed that certain factors may contribute to it, such as a structural or physiological (biological) defect or injury, an emotional or mood condition that runs in the family (genetic), or an unwholesome atmosphere (environmental), such as substance abuse by people raising the child, poor parenting or lack of proper care, a traumatic childhood experience, etc.

The Telltale Signs to Watch Out For

It is difficult to tell whether your child is struggling with ODD. Know that while ODD is symptomatic, a child may not display the symptoms with people they don’t know or in a different environment. When the defiant behavior pattern goes beyond what is acceptable or has continued for six months or more, it is important to get them assessed by a competent mental health professional.

A qualified professional can diagnose your child using the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Technically, the following patterns of behavior can indicate ODD:

  • Includes at least four symptoms from any of these categories—angry and irritable mood; argumentative and defiant behavior; or vindictiveness
  • Occurs with at least one individual who is not a sibling
  • Causes significant problems at work, school, or home
  • Occurs on its own, rather than as part of the course of another mental health problem, such as a substance use disorder, depression, or bipolar disorder
  • Lasts at least six months
  • DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis of ODD include both emotional and behavioral symptoms

For laymen and parents like you, Mental Help.Net offers this list of ODD symptoms to note. Start paying close attention to your child if they show these signs:

  • Persistent resistance toward taking direction from others
  • Stubbornness or non-compliant behavior
  • An unwillingness to compromise
  • Frequent arguing with, talking back to, or challenging of authority
  • Irritability, resentfulness, or negativity
  • Deliberate provocation of others which comes across as mean, spiteful, or rude
  • Temper tantrums or outbursts
  • Externalization of blame (it’s always someone else’s fault); always blaming others or denying responsibility
  • Repeated testing of other people’s limits (ignoring orders, arguing with directions)
  • Repeated trouble at school
  • Few or no friends

 

Avoid the Risks and Consequences

There are important reasons to bring your child to an expert as soon as possible if they display symptoms of ODD.

One, they can have an unhappy life as a child, and possibly as an adult, without treatment. If your child has oppositional defiant disorder, it can make their relationships suffer. They may live a lonely life without friends because other children, even their own siblings, may avoid them.

Two, it can make other aspects of your child’s life difficult. When they are unable to finish their tasks, they can lag in achieving developmental milestones and fail to make the most of their potential. As a result, they may develop poor self-esteem and be filled with frustration and other negative feelings.

Three, ODD can make your child vulnerable to other behavioral and emotional/mood conditions, such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and other learning disabilities. The worst scenario could be the development of conduct disorder, a serious behavioral condition.

These are the primary reasons why seeing a professional therapist contracted with Carolina Counseling Services — Sanford, NC, is a sound decision. Any child having difficulties adjusting or interacting with other people can benefit from counseling/therapy.

Further, having a child with ODD can make life difficult for the rest of the family and parenting challenging for you and your spouse. Don’t get wrapped up in figuring out how to discipline your child. They need help. You need help. Call Carolina Counseling Services — Sanford, NC, so we can help.

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