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Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Children often disobey their parents or teachers, particularly when they are extremely young, as a way of asserting their independence. However, when a child consistently is disobedient, disrespectful, hostile, and defiant toward parents, teachers, and other figures of authority for a period of six months or more, the child might be diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Stubbornness and an unwillingness to deal rationally with others when there is disagreement are also signs of ODD.
The presence of this disorder is marked by a frequent loss of temper, arguing with adults, behaving annoyingly on purpose, blaming others for errors, anger, resentment, and spitefulness or vindictiveness. To be properly diagnosed with ODD, several of these characteristics must be noted for an extended period of time and these behaviors must prevent the child from performing properly at school, or relating to family and friends.
While ODD may share similarities with both ADHD and conduct disorder, there are differences. Conduct disorder usually manifests itself in physical violence while ODD usually does not. ODD differs from ADHD in that the “bratty” behavior seen in ODD seems to be conscious and planned while ADHD suffers seem unable to control their actions.
Treatment for ODD often involves cognitive therapy and operant conditioning therapy featuring a system of rewards.
To determine eligibility for CMH services, contact the St. Clair County Community Mental Health ACCESS customer services hotline Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 1-888-225-4447. Crisis help also is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Links of Interest:
