Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a psychiatric disorder that typically develops in childhood during the ages of 6 and 8.
There are three specific categories of “noncompliance” in children and adolescents diagnosed with ODD. The three categories include…
Failure to initiate the behavior that has been requested by an authority figure within a reasonable and timely manner.
Failure to sustain compliance to the command until requirements of the command have been fulfilled.
Failure to follow previously taught rules.
The child may display behaviors such as yelling, stealing, lying, physical aggression, failure to complete household chores, failure to complete schoolwork, and a variety more. These behaviors are classified as clear and direct efforts from the child to escape and avoid a command from an authority figure. The diagnosis of ODD is a strong predictor of antisocial behavior, juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, and other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. Approximately 68% of children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with an emphasis in hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are prone to the diagnosis of ODD as well. Children the age of 12 or below are at a significant risk of engaging into delinquent behavior and developing a severe level of ODD. Interestingly, age is considered to be an important factor in determining the severity level for the diagnosis of ODD and future behavioral issues and concerns. Unfortunately, the combination of diagnoses such as ADHD, ODD, and conduct disorder (CD) are known as externalizing disorders and strong predictors of adult criminal behavior.
