Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
in Children
What is ODD?
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is characterised by frequent and persistent defiance, angry moods, disobedience, and hostility towards authority figures.
ODD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning the brain is wired differently compared with other children due to impaired or immature neural development, which typically appears in infancy or early childhood.
Many children of all ages can have trouble controlling their emotions and behaviours, particularly when they are tired, hungry, stressed, or upset. However, for children diagnosed with ODD, they display these behaviours persistently and to a degree that significantly interferes with how they function individually and with others. It is estimated that 4% of the Australia population are diagnosed with ODD. It affects boys more than girls.
Symptoms of ODD in children
The most common symptoms of ODD include:
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Often lose their temper.
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Easily annoyed.
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Become angry quickly.
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Argue with authority figures.
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Defiant and refuse to comply with requests.
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Refuse to follow the rules.
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Deliberately annoy others.
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Blame others for their mistakes or misbehaviour.
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Spiteful and seek revenge.
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Say mean and hateful things when angry or upset.
Causes of ODD
There is no single cause of ODD, rather it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Factors that can increase the risk of a child having ODD include:
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Genetics: Family history of ODD or other mental health condition.
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Parenting style: Harsh or inconsistent discipline, neglect, rejection, inadequate supervision.
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Abuse: Physical, verbal, sexual, witnessing domestic violence.
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Learned behaviours: Child may learn to act out to get attention, parents who exhibit aggressive behaviours can model this behaviour to their children.
Diagnosing ODD in Children
For a child to be diagnosed with ODD, an assessment needs to be conducted by a psychologist, paediatrician, or child psychiatrist. The assessment involves multiple methods of gathering the information needed to form a diagnosis. This can include psychological tests, direct observation of the child, and information from parents/carers, teachers, and others about the child’s behaviour in various situations. The child may also need to be assessed by a GP or paediatrician to ensure there are no underlying medication condition/s impacting the child and their emotional and behavioural responses.
If you would like enquire about an assessment for Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), please call 0475 585 073.
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0475 585 073