Oppositional Defiant Disorder

It is normal for children to practice their independence by being disobedient or defiant at times. However, Oppositional Defiant Disorder goes far beyond the bounds of normal behavior. It is characterized by an ongoing defiance against authority figures. Children and teens with Oppositional Defiant Disorder may repeatedly exhibit behavior that is disobedient and hostile. Plus, they are often very stubborn and incorrigible when it comes to cooperating for long enough to change their defiant actions.

An estimated 2%-16% of the population are presumed to have behavior that is characteristic of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. However, its symptoms are primarily expressed during childhood and adolescence. Young children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder are likely to develop conduct disorders as they grow into their teenage years. If the condition is left untreated, more than half of those affected will still meet the diagnostic criteria up to three years later.

In order for a child to be diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, they must have a history of expressing symptoms for a period of 6 months or more. In addition, it needs to be proven that the child's defiant actions are affecting their ability to function. Troubles at school, home, or within the community may be assessed as part of the diagnostic criteria for this condition. On the other hand, if a child has another disorder pertaining to conduct, depression, anxiety, or sleep patterns, Oppositional Defiant Disorder cannot be formally diagnosed. Unless, other variables have been ruled out, it is difficult to attribute behavior problems to this condition.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder will affect everyone in the family. Parents often struggle to gain control or administer teen discipline when faced with the symptoms of this condition. Psychotherapy, behavioral therapy, and social skills training have all been proven helpful in certain cases of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. However, parents may also need to be counseled about how to manage their child who is affected. In addition, some residential treatment centers specialize in Oppositional Defiant Disorder and provide intense therapy to combat the associated behavioral issues.