Signs and Symptoms of ODD in Children
Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder often show an ongoing series of behavioural problems that are more acute to their age mates. One easy way of distinguishing between ODD and normal disruptive behaviour is how long it lasts and the severity of the behaviour. For a child to be diagnosed with ODD, the extreme behaviour issues must have lasted for at least six months.
Signs and Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
The signs and symptoms of ODD always vary from child to child. These symptoms differently present themselves in boys and girls. Below are some of the signs and symptoms of ODD.
- Repeated and frequent temper tantrums. Regular, long, self-destructive and violent outbursts in a child may indicate the presence of mental disorders.
- They are frequently arguing with parents or people in authority. They cannot respect and listen to people in power and would always want to be involved in arguments.
- Touchy and easily annoyed. Children with this sign often get irritated, and they always try to deliberately upset or annoy others.
- Resentful and often get angry. A child with this sign easily gets frustrated and quickly loses his or her temper.
- They actively refuse to obey rules and requests. They persistently test limits by failing to comply with regulations.
- Seeking revenge and spiteful
A child with the oppositional defiant disorder will;
- Show these signs and symptoms severally and often than other children
- Frequently have problems with friendships and school as a result of the developed behaviour
- Usually have their general functioning substantially compromised by their challenging behaviours
- Display behavioural issues for six months
Causes of ODD in Children
Although there are no proven causes of ODD, there are several theories that help determine its possible causes. A combination of psychological, biological, and environmental factors may cause this mental condition. These theories include
Development Theory
It suggests that ODD can develop at early stages of a child, especially when a child is a toddler. Adolescents and children diagnosed with this disorder might have had problems learning to be independent from the person they were emotionally attached. These children often display the typical behaviours of a toddler.
Learning Theory
This theory suggests that ODD develops learned behaviours from parents’. Children brought up by parents or people who use unconstructive reinforcement methods may contribute to the development of ODD in children. In some cases, the child may adopt bad or negative behaviours from parents or close associates.
Genetics may also cause ODD. Children with this disorder may have close family members with mental sickness, including anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and mood disorders. Genetics, therefore, increases the vulnerability of developing ODD.
Environmental factors such as inconsistent discipline by parents and dysfunctional family life may contribute to the development of behavioural disorders.
Treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
When a child is diagnosed with ODD, treatment is mostly based on symptoms severity, the child’s ability to accept and tolerate therapies, and the child’s age. Treatments include;
- Family Therapy: Siblings and parents may find it hard adapting with a child with this disorder. Therefore, having family therapy will help in learning how to cope with and improve family interactions. It also allows siblings and parents to learn how to support and understand such a situation.
- Peer groups therapy. Helps a child to learn and improve social skills and how to relate with other children.
- Cognitive behavioural therapy: Psychologists will help a child learn to communicate and solve problems. The child also learns impulse control skills and anger management skills.
- Parent-child interaction therapy: Parents are coached by therapists on how to interact with their kids. Parents can learn good parenting skills and techniques.
- Medications: Medicines are not used to treat ODD. However, they can be used to treat other symptoms.