What Causes Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
There is no clear-cut cause of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. However, most experts believe that a combination of psychological, social and biological risk factors play a role in the development of the disorder.
Psychological Factors—
- Difficulty or inability to form social relationships or process social cues
- Neglectful or absent parent
- Poor relationship with one or more parent
Social Factors—
- Abuse
- Chaotic environment
- Family instability (such as divorce or frequent moves)
- Inconsistent discipline
- Lack of supervision
- Neglect
- Poverty
- Uninvolved parents
Biological Factors—
Kids and teens are more susceptible to developing Oppositional Defiant Disorder if they have:
- A brain-chemical imbalance
- A mother who smoked during pregnancy
- A parent who has a problem with drinking or substance abuse
- A parent with a history of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Conduct Disorder
- A parent with a mood disorder (e.g., depression or bipolar disorder)
- Exposure to toxins
- Impairment in the part of the brain responsible for reasoning, judgment, and impulse control
- Poor nutrition