A child struggling with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is often misunderstood and seen as being rebellious, disobedient, misbehaved, or a non-conformist. They can be avoided by other children and often dealt with sternly by authority figures. So, whenever they anger another child or adult, there may lie an unhappy child underneath that confident façade.

If your child is acting this way, you probably want to find the right help for him or her as soon as you can.  In which case, you likely want to know the most relevant information about ODD and how to find a professional to provide expert help.  You want to be able to make the right decisions.  Who is the right professional to seek assistance from?

ODD:  Facts To Know

• What is ODD? WebMD says, “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.”  A child can show extreme opposition to authority, breeding conflict with those at home or school, while exhibiting outbursts and meanness.  The disruptive behaviors associated with ODD can pose excessive challenges to your child. Because of this, your child may not maximize his/her potential and may continue to have difficulty interacting with others.
• How is a child vulnerable?  This emotional condition usually begins early in life, hence the higher incidence in children.  The roots of the vulnerability are not clear or very well established.  Experts believe it can a congenital physical defect or possibly the result of a brain injury that can result in the brain being unable to produce or release neurotransmitters or regulatory brain chemicals.  A child can also be vulnerable if ODD runs in their family, or they live in an unhealthy environment; such as living within a dysfunctional family or with people who are abusing a substance. Sometimes, there is no clear link.

What are the patterns of behavior that may indicate ODD?

• Display of these behavioral patterns — angry and irritable mood, argumentative, defiant behavior; or vindictiveness
• Occurs with at least one individual who is not a sibling
• Causes significant problems at school or home
• Occurs on its own, rather than as part of the course of another 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.

What are the symptoms to recognize?

For your child to be diagnosed with ODD, the DSM-5 criteria state that he/she manifests behavioral patterns that can contribute to their challenges.  The criteria also says that a child may exhibit at least four of the following ODD symptoms for six months or more:

• Throwing repeated temper tantrums
• Excessively arguing with adults, especially those with authority
• Actively refusing to comply with requests and rules
• Deliberately trying to annoy or upset others, or being easily annoyed by others
• Blaming others for their own mistakes
• Having frequent outbursts of anger and resentment
• Being spiteful and seeking revenge
• Using obscene language
• Saying mean and hateful things when upset
• Easily frustrated, moody, and feelings of low self-esteem

• Why are the symptoms sometimes overlooked? Children can exhibit antisocial and defiant behaviors, and general disobedience from time to time.  They can sometimes be disagreeable or misbehave without having ODD.  So, when it could be ODD that is affecting them, you may fail to recognize some of the symptoms. There is the possibility that your child may be gradually developing a pattern of bad behavior before you notice.  Further, their responses can be unpredictable and confusing; such as responding with outward rebellion versus keeping things bottled up.

• What are the risks of ODD? ODD can have certain risks when it is undiagnosed and untreated.  It can interrupt your child’s functioning, so they may start performing poorly in school.  Antisocial behavior can prevent them from developing and nurturing close or loving relationships; and can stand in the way of enjoying their relationships within the family and other children.  It can also result in depression and anxiety.  If ODD goes undiagnosed and untreated, it may persist beyond childhood and into their adolescence or later.

• What’s the link between ADHD and having ODD? Not every child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has ODD, although, some studies reveal there is a strong link between these two emotional conditions.  Studies show that around 65 percent of ADHD sufferers, may have ODD as well.  According to a publication released by CHADD, a national resource on ADHD, 40 percent of the ADHD children included in a study have ODD, while one percent may exhibit a more severe condition of conduct disorders.

• Can ODD be avoided or prevented? ODD triggered by a biological defect may not be something that you or a professional can prevent.  With prompt professional help the symptoms can be recognized and treatment can be provided, to reduce their impact on your child, so that he/she can begin to improve. With an experienced therapist, you and the rest of the family can work together to provide a caring environment for your child and to recognize what they may be going through.  ODD can be challenging, but with early diagnosis and treatment your child can resolve their issues and experience better social health.

Child Counseling/Therapy: Addressing Your Child’s ODD

If the reason behind a child’s ODD is linked to a physical defect, such as neurotransmitters not being produced or secreted, the condition may have a lasting impact on your child’s life.  ODD can result in their further struggling, as they may be rejected by their peers because of their forceful behavior and poor social skills.  Without professional help, they could experience more complications, including the higher risk for a more serious emotional, behavioral or conduct disorder.

Living with ODD symptoms can interfere with your child’s ability to have a happy childhood, adolescence and adult life. It can prevent them from reaching their full potential and goals in life. You and your family may endure many difficulties and frustrating experiences while raising them, however, intervening now can be a very wise strategy to do for your child.  Talk to someone you can trust – a counselor or therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC.

With the help of counseling and family support, many children with ODD have successfully resolved their symptoms and gone on conducting themselves as a healthy, social child.  With prompt diagnosis and treatment, it is possible for them to be happier and more socially adjusted. If you want your child to benefit from counseling or therapy, Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC, is ready to answer your questions.  Call CCS today to make an appointment!

Related Articles:

• Oppositional Defiance: Does Your Child Show the Signs?
• Calming a Child with ODD
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder among Children and Teenagers