What is Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a term that applies to children and younger teens. The disorder is denoted by a continuous pattern of outbursts and deliberate undermining of adults and authority that lasts for longer than a 6-month period. Increased aggression and an overall hate and disgust with regard to life and personal interactions are also commonly displayed. It is possible for some children to grow out of these behaviors and go on to become upstanding citizens. But if the pattern of behavior continues past 18 years old, the name of the disorder will change and the exhibited behavior will fall under a new psychiatric category. In adults, these behaviors are no longer referred to as symptoms of ODD but instead are categorized as personality disorders.
Effects on Childhood Relationships
In social settings, children with ODD may display uncooperative behavior and an unwillingness to conform to rules. The behavior of children with ODD often stands out among other children in their immediate age group. While some opposition is expected among varying age groups, these issues are usually a result of environmental conditions such as hunger and lack of sleep. A child who truly displays symptoms of ODD will exhibit negative patterns of behavior so often that his defiance becomes highly noticeable. Often, ODD begins to interfere with the child's ability to create and maintain friendships. Relationships with adults are also strained due to the constant opposition and often hostile behavior exhibited.
Effects on Adult Relationships
Oppositional defiance displayed by adults is often referred to as passive-aggressive behavior. This personality trait can have dire consequences on the adult's ability to function in normal society. Since all social environments have rules governing the correct ways to interact and function in daily life, an adult with a personality disorder may find his maladaptive behavior to be a large obstacle. Difficulty maintaining jobs may become a frequent problem that can have a negative effect on his economic status and personal resume. Marriage and other important relationships may also become strained as a result of anger or conformity issues. And just as substance abuse may become a problem for teens who exhibit ODD, it can also be prevalent in adults. In some cases, an adult who displays a personality disorder can become so defiant and hostile to authority that drugs and crime become a chosen substitute for his lack of social acceptance.
What Can be Done to Help?
ODD treatments include psychotherapy to help with anger issues and cognitive-behavior therapy to assist in lessening negative thoughts and feelings. Parents of children with ODD can also join support groups and enroll in parent training programs that can help to dramatically decrease the damaging effects that their ODD child has on the household environment.
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