Identifying Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

ODD is a conduct disorder that is characteristically seen in children younger than 9 or 10 years old. The child shows markedly defiant, disobedient, provocative behavior. They are frequently known to:

Lose his/her temper.
Deliberately annoy other people.
Argue with adults/authority figures.
Actively defy adults or refuse to comply with rules and requests made by adults.
Blame others for misbehavior and mistakes, and generally lack accountability for his/her actions.
Be angry and resentful.
Act spiteful/vindictive.
Appear touchy, and is easily irritated by others.

The person with ODD is moody, easily frustrated, has a low opinion of him/herself, and may abuse drugs. Stubbornness and testing/pushing of limits are common.

ODD often occurs with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety Disorder, and Depressive Disorders.

With therapy, the person with ODD can often make social and occupational adjustments to largely overcome the negative impact of this disorder in their life. It is important for parents to not put off seeking professional help when they experience symptoms in a child/teen.

Websites of Interest

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry	American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry – Facts for Families on Oppositional Defiant Disorders and Conduct Disorders
SAMHSA Nat'l Mental Health Information Center	SAMHSA’s National Mental Health Information Center - Children's Mental Health Facts: Children and Adolescents with Conduct Disorder
Specialized Training of Military Parents	National Parent Training and Information Center for military families providing support and advice to military parents with children having special education or health needs
Family Guide Web Site	Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy and Drug-free (helping parents talk to their children about not doing drugs/alcohol)
AACAP Web Site	Understanding Childhood Mental Illnesses
Mental Health America Web Site	Children’s mental health
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Military Youth Deployment Support Website	The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Military Youth Deployment Support Website has been designed to support military youth, families, and the youth serving professionals caring for this population.

Author: Ai Ton, MSW, LCSW

Last Update: March 30, 2010