When such patterns typify parent child relationships, discipline is often inconsistent. At times, parents may explode in anger as they attempt to control and discipline their child. At other times, they may withhold appropriate consequences which soon become hollow threats. As the child continues to provoke and defy, parents lose control. Then, feeling regret and guilt, especially if they’ve become verbally or physically explosive, the parent may become excessively rewarding and gratifying in order to undo what they now perceive to have been excessive discipline or punitive consequences.

When a child starts school, this pattern of passive aggressive, oppositional behavior tends to provoke teachers and other children as well. At school the child is met with anger, punitive reactions, and criticism. The child then argues back, blames others, and gets angry.

These children tend to have difficult adapting at school. Their behavior can cause disruption in the classroom and interfere with social and academic functioning. When their behavior and defiance affects their schoolwork and performance, children often experience school failure and social isolation. This, coupled with chronic criticism, can lead to low self esteem. Usually, ODD children feel unfairly picked on. In fact, they may believe that their behavior is reasonable and the treatment and criticism they receive unfair.

In many cases. oppositional disorders coexist with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In fact, the impulsivity and hyperactivity of ADHD can greatly amplify the defiance and uncontrolled anger of ODD. Symptoms of ODD may also occur as part of major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or mania. Some children with separation anxiety disorder may also have oppositional behaviors. Clingy attachment merges into or possibly reflects oppositional defiance. There also seems to be a correlation between ODD in a child and a history of disruptive disorders, substance abuse, or other emotional disorders in other family members.

Who is affected by oppositional defiant disorder?
Behavior disorders, as a category, are, by far, the most common reason for referrals to mental health services for children and adolescents. Oppositional defiant disorder is reported to affect 20 percent of the school-age population. ODD is more common in boys than in girls.

What are the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder?
Most symptoms seen in children and adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder also occur at times in children without this disorder, especially around the ages or 2 or 3, or during the teenage years. Many children, especially when they are tired, hungry, or upset, tend to disobey, argue with parents, or defy authority. However, in children and adolescents with oppositional defiant disorder, these symptoms occur more frequently and interfere with learning, school adjustment, and, sometimes, with the child’s relationships with others.

Symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder may include:

  * frequent temper tantrums
  * excessive arguments with adults
  * refusal to comply with adult requests
  * always questioning rules; refusal to follow rules
  * behavior intended to annoy or upset others, including adults
  * blaming others for his/her misbehaviors or mistakes
  * easily annoyed by others
  * frequently has an angry attitude
  * speaking harshly, or unkind
  * deliberately behaving in ways that seek revenge

The symptoms of ODD may resemble other medical conditions or behavior problems. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.