What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) is specifically a pervasive pattern of disregarding and violating the rights of others. Diagnostic criteria for this disorder state that this pattern must include at least three of the following specific signs and symptoms: • A lack of feeling guilty about wrong-doing • Disregard for personal safety or the safety of others • Failure to think or plan ahead • Lack of conforming to laws, as evidenced by repeatedly committing crimes • Persistent lack of taking responsibility, such as failing to establish a pattern of good work habits or keeping financial obligations • Repeated deceitfulness in relationships with others, such as lying, using false names, or conning others for profit or pleasure • Tendency to irritability, anger, and aggression, as shown by repeatedly assaulting others or getting into frequent physical fights Other important characteristics of this disorder include the following: • it can’t be diagnosed if th...

What's often tricky in parenting a defiant youngster is figuring out the "is this worth fighting for?" part – especially if you have to think fast. Defiant kids and teens often make a “game” out of getting into battles with their moms and dads, and if the parent gets tricked into playing this game, she finds herself in an endless stream of warfare. So, how can you avoid fighting every battle and save your time and energy for the ones worth fighting for? Here are some important tips for knowing which battles to fight – and which ones to let go of: 1. Ask yourself, “Will this battle fight itself?” There are some things that will get addressed by default – and you can stay totally out of it (which saves you from being the “bad guy”). For example, you may be tempted to continue to battle with your defiant child over his poor teeth-brushing habits, even when the two of you have had many past battles over this issue to no avail. Instead, give a final warning: “If yo...

The short answer is ‘no’ – it doesn’t cause Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), but it is definitely a contributing factor. Much of the research to date addresses the influence of parents’ attitudes and actions on the behavior of their kids. Studies have consistently shown a strong correlation between marital dissatisfaction and overt marital conflict and kid’s oppositional defiant behavior. Studies have examined numerous explanations for these findings. One such explanation was that dysfunctional marital relationships lead to dysfunctional parenting practices. Marital conflict has been positively linked with callous disciplinary practices used by moms and dads, lower levels of parental participation, and more recurrent parent-child conflict. Conflicted moms and dads are also less likely to praise their kids, read to them, engage in recreation with them, or spend time with them in relational or social activities. This detachment fuels negative relationships within families. ...

Solutions for Oppositional Defiant Behavior in ODD Students: Tips for Teachers 1. ODD Behavior: Complying with the letter of the law but not with the spirit of it— Examples: • When told, “Take your hat off,” the child may take it off and then put it back on. • When given the direction “Lower your voice,” the child may speak in a lower tone but use the same volume. • When given the direction “Bring your chair up to the front of the room,” the child may bring the chair up but then sit on the floor. Teacher’s Strategy: Teach the difference between the letter and the spirit of the law— Generally, when faced with the “loophole finding” student, teachers will try to become more precise in their language or to add additional rules. Rather than trying to plug the loopholes, have a lesson at the beginning of the year on the difference between the “letter of the law” and the “spirit of the law.” Unless a youngster has a language impairment, she/he knows what the tea...

Behavior disorders (sometimes referred to as disruptive behavior disorders) are the most common reasons kids are referred for mental health evaluations and treatment. All disruptive behavior is not the same. Behavior disorders include mental health problems which include behaviors and emotional problems that create interpersonal and emotional problems for kids and teens during the course of their development. The most common behavior disorder in kids is ADHD, which includes inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive behaviors. ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) is another behavior disorder that includes behaviors disruptive to relationships with others (i.e., angry and resentful oppositional behavior). Conduct Disorder (CD) involves behaviors which violate social norms and expectations. 1. Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)— ADHD, usually first diagnosed in childhood, is characterized by inattention, impulsiveness, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms us...

Violent behavior in kids and teens with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) can include a wide range of behaviors: cruelty toward animals explosive temper tantrums fighting fire setting intentional destruction of property physical aggression threats or attempts to hurt others (including homicidal thoughts) use of weapons vandalism Numerous research studies have concluded that a complex interaction or combination of factors leads to an increased risk of violent behavior in ODD kids and teens. These factors include: Being the victim of physical abuse and/or sexual abuse Brain damage from head injury Combination of stressful family socioeconomic factors (e.g., poverty, severe deprivation, marital breakup, single parenting, unemployment, loss of support from extended family, etc.) Exposure to violence in media (e.g., TV, movies, etc.) Exposure to violence in the home and/or community Genetic factors Presence of firearms in home Previous aggressive or violent...

Since kids pass through many developmental stages as they mature, it is important to understand the differences between normal childhood attempts to defy authority and symptoms of full-blown Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Oppositional defiant kids share many of the following characteristics: are driven to defeat authority figures are relentless in their pursuit of proving authority figures to be wrong or stupid are socially exploitive and very quick to notice how others respond; they then use these responses to their advantage in family or social environments are vigorously intent on “getting their way” deny responsibility for their misbehavior and have little insight into how they impact others. have thoughts that revolve around defeating anyone’s attempt to exercise authority over them possess a strong need for control, and will do just about anything to gain power tolerate a great deal of negativity – in fact they seem to thrive on large amounts of conflict, ...