What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

==> Parenting Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder

==> Help for Parents with Oppositional Defiant Children and Teens

==> Help for Parents with Oppositional Defiant Children and Teens

Most kids argue with moms and dads and defy authority from time to time, especially when they are tired, hungry, or upset. Some of the behaviors associated with Oppositional Defiant Disorder also can arise in kids who are undergoing a transition, who are under stress, or who are in the midst of a crisis. This makes the behavioral symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder sometimes difficult for moms and dads to distinguish from stress-related behaviors. Kids with Oppositional Defiant Disorder show an ongoing pattern of extreme negativity, hostility, and defiance that: • Is constant • Is disruptive to the family and the school • Is excessive compared with what is usual for the youngster’s age • Is usually directed toward an authority figure (mother or father, educators, the principal, the coach) • Lasts at least 6 months The following behavioral symptoms are associated with Oppositional Defiant Disorder: • Actively refusing to comply with requests and rules

There is no clear-cut cause of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. However, most experts believe that a combination of psychological, social and biological risk factors play a role in the development of the disorder. Psychological Factors— Difficulty or inability to form social relationships or process social cues Neglectful or absent parent Poor relationship with one or more parent Social Factors— Abuse Chaotic environment Family instability (such as divorce or frequent moves) Inconsistent discipline Lack of supervision Neglect Poverty Uninvolved parents Biological Factors— Kids and teens are more susceptible to developing Oppositional Defiant Disorder if they have: A brain-chemical imbalance A mother who smoked during pregnancy A parent who has a problem with drinking or substance abuse A parent with a history of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Conduct Disorder A parent with a mood disorder (e.g., depress

Who gets Oppositional Defiant Disorder? A lot of kids! This is the most common psychiatric problem in young people. In younger kids, it is more common in males than females, but as they grow older, the rate is the same in boys and girls. There is a range of estimates for how many kids and teens have Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Evidence suggests that between 1 and 16 % of kids and teens have Oppositional Defiant Disorder. However, there is not very much information on the prevalence of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in preschoolers, and estimates can’t be made. Oppositional Defiant Disorder usually appears in late preschool or early school-aged kids. Although the disorder seems to occur more often in lower socioeconomic groups, Oppositional Defiant Disorder affects families of all backgrounds. ==> Help for Parents with ODD Children and Teens

In this post, we will answer the question: What is oppositional defiant disorder? Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is one of a group of behavioral disorders called Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBD). These disorders are called this because kids who have these disorders tend to disrupt those around them. Oppositional Defiant Disorder is one of the more common mental health disorders found in kids and teens. Doctors define Oppositional Defiant Disorder as a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior directed toward authority figures. Children and teens with Oppositional Defiant Disorder often rebel, are stubborn, argue with grown-ups, and refuse to obey. They have angry outbursts and have a hard time controlling their temper. Even the best-behaved kids can be uncooperative and hostile at times, particularly teens, but those with Oppositional Defiant Disorder show a constant pattern of angry and verbally aggressive behaviors, usually aimed at moms and dads