Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Abstract
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a childhood disorder primarily characterized by
defiant, disobedient, negative, and even hostile behaviors toward adults and authority
figures. In order for a child to be diagnosed with ODD, these certain behaviors must
occur for at least 6 months. It often appears in the preschool years, but it is difficult to
distinguish from troublesome behavior. Children with ODD have high rates of coexisting
conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and mood disorders. These
children are at great risk of developing conduct disorder and antisocial personality
disorder during adulthood. Treatment of ODD involves therapy, training to help build
positive family interactions to manage behaviors, and possibly medications to treat
mental health conditions.
Genetics is another major factor that contributes to the condition of ODD. Many
children and teens with it also have close family members that have been diagnosed with
other mental illnesses, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and personality
disorders. It has been shown if the mother is smoking during her pregnancy, the child is 2
to 3 times more likely to end up with ODD when he or she is older. The vulnerability to
develop ODD may be inherited when in this genetic situation. This also suggests that the
environment of a child may play a role in this disorder. Factors like a dysfunctional
family life, inconsistent discipline by parents, or a history of family mental illness, and/or
substance abuse may contribute to behavior disorders developing over the course of their
childhood.
Diagnosis and Clinical Course of ODD
Diagnosis has changed a little over the years, for example it first appeared in the
third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III).
OD symptoms included violations of minor rules, temper tantrums, argumentativeness,
defiance, provocativeness, and stubbornness. Two of the five symptoms were required
for diagnosis, and had to occur more frequently than in other children of the same mental
age. Onset had to be after age 3 and the symptoms had to occur for 6 months or longer
(Luby, 2009). A clarification was added noting that oppositional and defiant behaviors
are common among typically developing preschoolers and that diagnosis requires
symptoms that are more frequent or intense than usual, or symptoms that endure longer
than expected. Debate about the utility of the diagnosis ensued (Loeber, Lahey, &
Thomas, 1991; Rey, 1995), and ODD received more rigorous study during the DSM-IV
field trials (Lahey et al., 1994).
at a higher risk for ODD. A child diagnosed with ODD may have trouble at home with
parents and siblings, in school with teachers and peers, and even at work with supervisors
and authority figures. Keeping friends and relationships can also be a problem they may
encounter. ODD may also lead to problems such as; poor school and worm performance,
antisocial behavior, impulse control problems, substance use disorder, and even suicide.
Like noted earlier other mental health conditions may accompany ODD like ADHD,
depression, anxiety, conduct disorder, and learning and communication disorders.
Treatment
Treatment for ODD is determined based on many different factors including the
age of the child, severity of symptoms, and the childs ability to participate in and tolerate
specific therapies. Treatment usually includes a combination of medication and
counseling. It can often last several months or longer. The use of medication alone
generally is not used for ODD unless another disorder, such as ADHD, co-exists. In the
event of this medications may help significantly improve symptoms.
Psychotherapy
One type of treatment is Psychotherapy, which is a type of counseling aimed at
helping the child develop more effective coping and problem-solving skills, as well as
ways to control and express anger. There is a therapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy
that is aimed to reshape the childs cognitions to better their behavior. Family therapy
may also be used to help improve interactions at home and build communication among
family members. Parent Management Training (PMT) is a specialized therapy technique
that teaches parents ways to positively alter their childs behavior. The use of behavior
management plans involves developing contracts between the parent and child that
identify rewards for positive behaviors and consequences for negative behaviors.
students think it was their idea in the first place. This can decrease opposition because the
student does not see the authority telling them directly what to do.
Setting goals in working with students diagnosed with ODD is a good step to take
to keep both the student and instructor in check. These goals might include, avoiding
power struggles, understanding the purpose of challenging behaviors and the
developmental level of students, increasing positive interactions between students and
adults, and having students meet the expectations of adults. Think of defiance as an
opportunity to teach students something new (Kohn, 1996).
Conclusion
Overall, ODD is noted as frequent and persistent patterns of irritable or angry
moods, arguing with authority figures, and outright defiant behavior. The course it takes
can start early in preschool years and can lead to the development of other disorders and
usually accompanies things such as ADD, anxiety, or depression. Though this disorder
can cause frequent conflict with parents, teachers, and peers, it can be managed through
the use of medications and therapies. There are many strategies noted in this paper that
can help both a parent and teacher when having a child with ODD. Though the risks and
complications are numerous, treatment and prevention can compromise these difficulties
and help the overall well being of the diagnosed student.