What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

• feeling angry at the world
• feeling misunderstood or disliked
• strong dislike for authority, including supervisors at work
• identifying as a rebel
• defending themselves vehemently and not being open to feedback
• blaming others for their own mistakes

The disorder is often difficult to diagnose in adults because many of the symptoms overlap with antisocial behaviors , substance abuse, and other disorders.

There is no proven cause of ODD, but there are theories that can help identify potential causes. It’s thought a combination of environmental, biological, and psychological factors cause ODD. For example, it’s more common in families with a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) .

At least one of these symptoms must be displayed with someone who is not a sibling. The categories and symptoms include:

Angry or irritable mood, which includes symptoms like:

• often losing their temper
• being touchy
• being easily annoyed
• often becoming angry or resentful

Argumentative or defiant behavior, which includes symptoms like:

• having frequent arguments with authority figures or adults
• actively defying requests from authority figures
• refusing to comply with requests from authority figures
• deliberately annoying others
• blaming others for misbehavior

Vindictiveness

• acting spitefully at least twice in a six-month period

Individual cognitive behavioral therapy: A psychologist will work with the child to improve:

• anger management skills
• communication skills
• impulse control
• problem-solving skills

They may also be able to identify potential contributing factors.

Family therapy: A psychologist will work with the whole family to make changes. This can help parents find support and learn strategies for handling their child’s ODD.

Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT): Therapists will coach the parents as they interact with their children. Parents can learn more effective parenting techniques.

Peer groups: The child can learn how to improve their social skills and relationships with other children.

Medications: These can help treat causes of ODD, such as depression or ADHD. However, there is no specific medication to treat ODD itself.

• increasing positive reinforcements and reducing negative reinforcements
• using consistent punishment for bad behavior
• using predictable and immediate parenting responses
• modeling positive interactions in the household
• reducing environmental or situational triggers (For example, if your child’s disruptive behaviors seem to increase with a lack of sleep, make sure they get enough sleep.)

Adults with ODD can manage their disorder by:

• accepting responsibility for their actions and behaviors
• using mindfulness and deep breathing to keep their temper under control
• finding stress-relieving activities , such as exercise