It is not unusual for a child to argue with adults or be uncooperative and defiant at times. However, when the oppositional behaviors become more severe, more hostile, and more frequent there may be greater cause for concern. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is diagnosed when there is a persistent pattern of angry, defiant, verbally aggressive behavior towards parents and other authority figures that has been ongoing for at least six months, is not related to a temporary stressor or other condition, is excessive compared to what is usual for the child’s age, and significantly impairs a child’s day to day functioning.
Symptoms of ODD include:
- often loses temper
- often argues with adults
- often actively defies rules or refuse to comply with adults' requests
- often deliberately annoys people
- often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
- is often touchy or easily annoyed by others
- is often angry and resentful
- is often spiteful or vindictive
If you have concerns about your child’s behavior be sure to discuss this with your child’s physician. Openly communicate and partner with the doctor to evaluate and treat these impairing disruptive behaviors and help your child develop more appropriate techniques for managing anger and coping with stressful situations.
Learn Tips for Reducing Oppositional Behaviors
Source:
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Oppositional Defiant Disorder: A Guide for Families. AACAP Practice Parameter. 2009.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV-TR Fourth Edition (Text Revision). American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. June 2000.
