ODD Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a type of behavior disorder that often occurs in children and adolescents. ODD is usually seen in patterns of behavior that are uncooperative, defiant, angry, cranky, and hostile toward authority figures (such as their parents, teachers, or caregivers). This usually interferes with their daily functions and activities.
It is estimated that around 2%–16% of school-age children and adolescents experience ODD. In young children, ODD usually occurs in boys. In older children, there is no difference between boys and girls. It is common for ODD to appear around the age of 8 years.
Basically, children are not always able to control their emotions. They can behave ‘inflamed’ or defiant from time to time especially when they are tired, hungry, annoyed, bored or stressed. They may argue, argue, often show resentment, and be disobedient to their parents, teachers, or caregivers. This behavior is actually normal in the development of children aged two to three years and in early adolescence.
However, this type of oppositional condition can only be considered an ODD disorder if the opposing behavior is very prominent, requires serious attention, and affects social life, family, and academic activities. Usually, this disorder will last for six months or more.
Symptom
Those who are suspected of having Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) have some signs of behavior, such as:
- Often angry
- Arguing excessively with adults
- Often question the rules
- Refusing to comply with adult requests and rules
- Attempts to annoy and annoy others
- Blaming others for their mistakes or misbehavior
- Often touches other people and gets irritated easily
- Often angry and hateful
- Speaks hatefully when annoyed
- Be vengeful and seek revenge
It was also found that quite a number of ODD children also had problems with being moody, easily frustrated, and had low self-esteem. Some even also have a relationship with the problem of alcohol and drug dependence. However, these ODD symptoms are more common in the home or school environment.
Reason
The cause of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is still not known with certainty. Most parents report that children with ODD are usually more rigid and more demanding than their siblings when they were little.
A combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors may play a role in causing ODD, including:
- Biological factors
Abnormalities and injuries to certain parts of the brain can cause serious behavior problems in children later in life. ODD is also related to abnormalities in brain function in the neurotransmitter part that helps brain cells communicate with each other. When brain cells cannot communicate properly, symptoms of ODD and other mental illnesses can appear.
People with ODD also often have behavioral disorders or other mental disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, drastic mood changes such as depression or bipolar, and anxiety problems.
- genetic factor
There are also many children with ODD who also have close family members who experience behavioral disorders or quite severe psychological problems such as mood disorders, excessive anxiety, and personality disorders.
- Environmental factor
Dysfunction of family life, history of mental disorders in the family, and/or substance abuse, as well as inconsistent patterns of discipline by parents can contribute to the triggering and development of behavioral disorders in a child.
Diagnosis
A psychiatrist will determine the diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) from in-depth conversations with parents and the child directly and from observing the symptoms that appear. Usually, an examination is also needed to look for other health problems that might affect the child’s condition. Thus treatment can be carried out thoroughly.
Some children with severe ODD may continue to develop this behavior disorder into adulthood. Sometimes brain imaging tests or blood tests are also needed to look for various possible causes of the behavior problem.
Treatment
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) treatment involves several forms of therapy and usually needs to be supported with medication. Therapy includes:
- parent management training programs to help parents manage their children’s behavior.
- individual psychotherapy to develop more effective anger management.
- family psychotherapy to improve communication and mutual understanding of all family members who are directly involved with the child with ODD.
- cognitive problem-solving skills training and therapy to help solve problems and reduce negative behaviors.
- social skills training to increase flexibility and social skills, as well as practice frustration tolerance with peers.
There are no specific drugs that can cure ODD directly. Drugs are usually used to relieve symptoms of other health problems that may arise such as depression or ADHD.
Prevention
Medically it is quite difficult to prevent the emergence of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). What is needed when an ODD problem occurs is a diagnosis as early as possible. It also requires a comprehensive therapeutic technique that can minimize the child’s negative condition or behavior in building relationships in the family and environment.
Good therapy can also prevent other problems that may accompany and be associated with conduct disorder. Preparing a home environment that is supportive, positive discipline, and full of love can be done to prevent the worsening of rebellious behavior in children with ODD.