How to Know If Your Child Has Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Every child experiences limitations and misbehaves , often against the wishes of their parents, teachers or guardians. However, persistent, intense defiance is sometimes classified as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), a conduct disorder most commonly diagnosed in children. If you have a particularly recalcitrant child and are wondering if this is a phase or a sign that you should seek outside help, there are some signs and symptoms. We spoke with psychiatrist and parenting coach Jess Bichkofsky about how to tell the difference and what to do if you suspect ODD.

Signs and symptoms

ODD markers:

• Arguing with adults more than usual
• Tantrums
• Anger
• Resentment or resentment
• When upset, using angry or hateful language
• Intentionally annoys or provokes, but is easily annoyed by others
• Asking questions and refusing to obey rules or authority
• Blaming others instead of taking responsibility for actions or mistakes
• Looking for revenge

The way to distinguish ODD from anger, tantrums, and bad behavior, even very bad behavior, depends on the duration and intensity. “The most noticeable sign of ODD will be the severity and prevalence,” says Bichkofsky. You need to observe the behavior for more than six months to rule out a developmental spurt. In children under five years of age, the behavior should be present most of the days, and over five years of age, when impulse control may be more developed, you must notice signs at least once a week to support a diagnosis of ODD.

Another difference between ordinary defiance and disorderly behavior lies in the context. While it’s normal for children to act worse towards their parents (sorry), children with ODD defy equal opportunity. “ODD is going to be pretty stable and not like ‘sometimes it’s okay, sometimes it’s not,’” says Bichkofsky. She says it’s not just with a sibling or in the same place; it is everywhere and with everyone.

What to do if you suspect a disability

The problem with ODD is that, without intervention, it can understandably create problems for your child as they grow, and people are less forgiving of tantrums and kids who refuse to follow the rules. While you can wait to see if your child’s behavior is a phase, “if it bothers the child or others and has a negative impact on other important areas, like school or social life,” Bitchkofsky says.

When you are annoyed or confused by your child’s behavior, it can be difficult to keep track of how long something has been going on that is causing concern. Bichkofsky suggests parents “make good notes about the behavior to see if it’s really as common, bad, and lasts as long as they really think.” If there is cause for concern, she says: “Confusion about what you are really seeing should be addressed by a mental health professional such as a child and adolescent psychiatrist, or psychological testing may be required.” A practicing psychiatrist will also likely look for other conditions such as ADHD , anxiety , learning difficulties , and other causes or factors affecting your child’s behavior before making a decision about ODD. Sometimes ODD is combined with another diagnosis.

Treatment and management

Without treatment , ODD can turn into a conduct disorder such as antisocial personality disorder , so it is important to seek help from a child as early as possible. Your particular child will need a personalized plan to best meet their needs and those of your family, but a combination of individual and family therapy is usually recommended for ODD.

You can also link your child’s school to your treatment plan so they can help your child and so they can treat your child’s behavior as a disorder rather than a problem. Knowing that you are aware of your child’s defiance and are working to help him will most likely help in the process and show your child that he is supported from all sides.

In your interaction with your child and in advising others who interact with him:

• Focus on positive reinforcement.
• Have consistent consequences of harmful or destructive behavior, but focus on fixing and linking to the behavior.
• Schedule lots of breaks or hitches. Model it in yourself.
• Avoid power struggles whenever possible.

The same ODD study that says some kids develop conduct disorders shows that most kids don’t. In most children, especially with early intervention and consistent, mindful parenting, ODD symptoms improve within three years. Asking for help when you have a child with difficult behavior can seem intimidating, but giving your child the necessary interventions can serve them well in the long run.