A defining factor of this disorder is a desire to blame others for their wrongdoings. Taking responsibility and giving appropriate apologies is very difficult and may be outright refused by some children.
Empathy problems have been associated with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) [1]. Children with ODD/CD constitute a heterogeneous group, however, and research suggests that there are individual differences in the mechanisms underlying empathy deficits in children with ODD/CD [1, 2].
Children with ODD are uncooperative, defiant, and hostile toward peers, parents, teachers, and other authority figures. Developmental problems may cause ODD. Or the behaviors may be learned. A child with ODD may argue a lot with adults or refuse to do what they ask.
Among externalizing behaviors, ODD symptoms have been found to be the most related with negative parenting (Deault, 2009).
Environmental factors: Having a chaotic family life, childhood maltreatment and inconsistent parenting can all contribute to the development of ODD. In addition, peer rejection, deviant peer groups, poverty, neighborhood violence and other unstable social or economic factors may contribute to the development of ODD.
Problems with parenting that may involve a lack of supervision, inconsistent or harsh discipline, or abuse or neglect may contribute to developing ODD .
Does Oppositional Defiant Disorder get better or go away over time? For many children, Oppositional Defiant Disorder does improve over time. Follow up studies have shown that the signs and symptoms of ODD resolve within 3 years in approximately 67% of children diagnosed with the disorder.
If untreated, ODD may lead to anxiety, depression, or a more serious disorder called conduct disorder. A child or teen with conduct disorder may harm or threaten people or animals, damage property or engage in serious violations of rules.
ODD usually starts before 8 years of age, but no later than by about 12 years of age. Children with ODD are more likely to act oppositional or defiant around people they know well, such as family members, a regular care provider, or a teacher.
Characteristics of ODD as described in the DSM-IV include: • persistent stubbornness and refusal to comply with instructions or unwillingness to compromise with adults or peers • deliberate and persistent testing of the limits • failing to accept responsibility for one's own actions and blaming others for one's own ...
Factors such as a chaotic home life, inconsistent discipline by parents, and being exposed to abuse, neglect, or trauma at an early age can all lead to the onset of ODD symptoms.
ODD and CD are diagnosed more often in boys than in girls. If not managed promptly, ODD can progress to CD, which can then transition to antisocial personality disorder.
Symptoms of ODD may include: Having frequent temper tantrums. Arguing a lot with adults. Refusing to do what an adult asks.
Research has suggested that ODD cases are often comorbid to cases of ASD, but due to the difficulty of assessing similar symptoms and attributing the different motivations that underly an ODD diagnosis, it is enormously difficult for clinicians to separate the two.
ODD is genetic.
Oppositional defiant behavior tends to run in families. Studies show that the development of the condition is more heavily influenced by genes than it is by environmental factors. A child diagnosed with ODD quite frequently has a first-degree relative with ODD.
ODD symptoms can look similar to symptoms of autism. This makes it doubly hard for a parent of a child with autism to know for sure if his/her child has ODD.
Comorbidity further elevates the risk for sleep problems as past studies have documented that children with both ODD/CD and ADHD sleep significantly less than typically developing children and children with ODD/CD alone.
In addition, children that develop other disorders such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are also at risk for developing BPD.
The preferred ODD treatment is a combination of individual and family behavioral therapy. When therapy alone does not resolve symptoms, medication for ODD can sometimes help. In addition, lifestyle changes can help some people with mild symptoms to control their explosions.
Psychosocial Factors
Temperamental factors such as irritability, impulsivity, poor frustration, tolerance, and high levels of emotional reactivity are commonly associated with ODD.
Remember that these kids aren't trying to be “brats” or kids who “rule their parents' lives.” They're just trying to cope with what their brain has given them as a priority. They feel the need to control their environments in order to feel safe.
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed disorders in children with intellectual disabilities (ID).