Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a pattern of hostile behaviour by children and teens toward their parents or other authority figures. They may argue about and break rules, lose their temper, annoy others on purpose, blame others for their mistakes or misbehaviour, and be overly sensitive, angry, resentful, or vengeful.

Defiance is fairly common in all children, especially in teenagers. Before a diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder can be made, the disorder characteristics need to persist over 6 months and cause significant problems within the family. And it may cause problems at school or work.

Many children and teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have oppositional defiant disorder. The oppositional defiant behaviour of some children and teens will get worse and lead to conduct disorder. Children with conduct disorder may have a pattern of lying, stealing, and cheating, may skip school or run away from home, and may harm animals, property, and other people.

Treatment for children who have oppositional defiant disorder includes therapy, such as family therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. Parenting classes may also help.