Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Children | Johns Hopkins Medicine

what is oppositional defiant disorder (odd) in children?

Oppositional defiant disorder (odd) is a type of behavior disorder. It is diagnosed mainly in childhood. children with odd are uncooperative, defiant, and hostile toward peers, parents, teachers, and other authority figures. they are more worrisome to others than to themselves.

what causes the quirk in a child?

Researchers don’t know what causes the strangeness. but there are 2 main theories as to why it happens:

• developmental theory. This theory suggests that problems begin when children are young. children and adolescents with impar may have had trouble learning to become independent from a parent or other primary person to whom they were emotionally attached. their behavior may be a normal developmental problem that lasts beyond the first few years of life.
• learning theory. This theory suggests that the negative symptoms of the odd are learned attitudes. they reflect the effects of negative reinforcement methods used by parents and others in power. the use of negative reinforcement increases the strange behaviors of the child. That’s because these behaviors allow the child to get what she wants: attention and reaction from parents or other people.

which children are at risk of odd?

odd is more common in boys than in girls. children with the following mental health problems are also more likely to have:

• mood or anxiety disorders
• conduct disorder
• attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (adhd)

what are the symptoms of weirdness in a child?

Most of the symptoms seen in children and adolescents with impar also sometimes occur in other children without it. this is especially true for children around 2 or 3 years old, or during their teen years. many children tend to disobey, argue with parents or challenge authority. they can often behave this way when they are tired, hungry, or upset. but in children and adolescents with odd numbers, these symptoms occur more often. they also interfere with learning and school adjustment. and in some cases, disrupt the child’s relationships with others.

symptoms of odd may include:

• having frequent tantrums
• argue a lot with adults
• refuse to do what an adult asks
• always questioning the rules and refusing to follow them
• doing things to annoy or annoy others, including adults
• blaming others for the child’s misbehavior or mistakes
• being easily annoyed by others
• often has an angry attitude
• speaking harshly or unkindly
• seek revenge or be vengeful

These symptoms may resemble other mental health problems. make sure your child sees their health care provider for a diagnosis.

how is odd diagnosed in a child?

If you notice unusual symptoms in your child or teen, you can help by seeking a diagnosis right away. early treatment can often prevent future problems.

A child psychiatrist or qualified mental health expert can diagnose odds. he or she will talk with parents and teachers about the child’s behavior and may observe the child. In some cases, your child may need mental health testing.

how do you treat the odd in a child?

Early treatment can often prevent future problems. Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and health. it will also depend on how bad the quota is.

Children with odd may need to try different therapists and types of therapies before finding what works for them. treatment may include:

• cognitive behavioral therapy. a child learns to better solve problems and communicate. he or she also learns to control impulses and anger.
• Family therapy. This therapy helps make changes in the family. improves communication skills and family interactions. having a child with odd can be very hard for parents. it can also cause problems for siblings. parents and siblings need support and understanding.
• peer group therapy. a child develops better social and interpersonal skills.
• Medications. These are not often used to treat odd. but a child may need them for other symptoms or disorders, such as ADHD.

How can I help prevent abnormalities in my child?

Researchers don’t know what causes the strangeness. but certain approaches can help prevent the disorder. young children are helped by early intervention programs that teach them social skills and how to deal with anger. For teens, talk therapy (psychotherapy), learning social skills, and getting help with homework can help reduce problem behaviors. school programs can also help stop bullying and improve relationships between teens.

Parent management training programs are also important. These programs teach parents how to manage their children’s behavior. parents learn methods of positive reinforcement and also how to discipline their child.

How can I help my child live with odds?

Treating your child early can often prevent future problems. here are things you can do to help:

• Keep all appointments with your child’s health care provider.
• participate in family therapy as needed.
• Talk with your child’s health care provider about other providers who will be involved in your child’s care. Your child may receive care from a team that may include counselors, therapists, social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Your child’s care team will depend on her needs and the severity of the disorder.
• Tell others about your child’s conduct disorder. work with your child’s health care provider and school to develop a treatment plan.
• seek support. being in contact with other parents who have a child with odd can be helpful. if you feel overwhelmed or stressed, talk to your child’s health care provider. he or she can direct you to a support group for caregivers of children with disabilities.

When should I call my child’s healthcare provider?

Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if your child:

• feel extreme depression, fear, anxiety, or anger toward yourself or others
• feels out of control
• hears voices others don’t hear
• sees things others don’t see
• I can’t sleep or eat for 3 days in a row
• displays behavior that concerns friends, family, or teachers, and others express concern about this behavior and ask you to seek help

Call 911 if your child has suicidal thoughts, a suicide plan, and the means to carry out the plan.

key points about odd numbers in children

• Oppositional defiant disorder (odd) is a type of behavior disorder. children with odd are uncooperative, defiant, and hostile toward peers, parents, teachers, and other authority figures.
• development problems can cause problems. or the behaviors can be learned.
• A child with impar may argue a lot with adults or refuse to do what they ask. he or she may also be unpleasant to others.
• a mental health expert often makes a strange diagnosis.
• Therapy that helps the child interact better with others is the main treatment. Medications may be needed for other problems, such as ADHD.

next steps

Tips to help you get the most out of a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.
• Before your visit, write down the questions you want answered.
• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medications, treatments, or tests. also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
• Know why a new medicine or treatment is being prescribed and how it will help your child. also know what the side effects are.
• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.
• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results might mean.
• Know what to expect if your child doesn’t take the medicine or doesn’t have the test or procedure.
• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose of that visit.
• Learn how you can contact your child’s provider after hours. this is important if your child gets sick and you have questions or need advice.