Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD): what it is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Oppositional defiant disorder, or ODD, is characterized by symptoms such as easy irritability, disobeying rules, intentionally bothering other people, lying and/or acting out of revenge or cruelty, which typically begin in childhood.

Although oppositional defiant disorder does not have a specific cause, the risk of development is greater if there is a history of ODD in the parents, abuse or living in hostile environments, for example.

If ODD is suspected, it is recommended to consult a psychiatrist. Treatment may involve psychotherapy sessions and, in more severe cases, medications such as risperidone or aripiprazole to control symptoms.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) are:

• Losing your temper frequently;
• Easily upset;
• Holding grudges;
• Disobeying rules or orders from people with more authority, such as parents and teachers;
• Intentionally harassing other people;
• Act out of revenge and/or with cruelty;
• Blaming other people for your mistakes or bad behavior.

Children and adolescents with ODD typically do not consider their behavior a problem, although they may have poor grades at school, have difficulties in relationships with peers and family, and cause disruption in the environments they frequent, for example.

Furthermore, in the case of oppositional defiant disorder, it is common to also have symptoms indicative of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as impulsivity and inattention. Know the main symptoms of ADHD.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder is normally made by a child psychiatrist based on the characteristics of the symptoms present, such as their frequency and impact on personal and school life, and the health history of the child or adolescent.

If you want to make an appointment, you can find the psychiatrist closest to you using the tool below:

Possible causes

Oppositional defiant disorder does not have a specific cause. However, it is believed that there is a genetic predisposition for its development, especially when there is a history of ODD in one of the parents.

Furthermore, ODD is more common in the case of excessively strict or negligent parents, a history of abuse or living in an environment with aggressive behavior, for example.

How the treatment is carried out

Treatment for oppositional defiant disorder can be done with psychotherapy sessions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, so that the child or adolescent learns to deal with impulses, communicate and solve their problems more appropriately.

In more serious cases, the doctor may prescribe antipsychotics, such as risperidone or aripiprazole, or mood stabilizers, such as lamotrigine or carbamazepine, to control symptoms, especially in cases of aggression.

Furthermore, if there are other associated problems, especially ADHD, it is important that your treatment is carried out correctly, in accordance with the doctor’s instructions. Understand better what ADHD is and its treatment.

Is there a cure for oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)?

Although there is no cure for oppositional defiant disorder, especially in mild cases where treatment is carried out according to the doctor’s instructions and there is family support, sometimes the symptoms can lessen over time.