Oppositional defiant disorder is a controversial psychiatric category listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders where it is described as an ongoing pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures which supposedly goes beyond the bounds of normal childhood behavior.
To meet DSM-IV-TR criteria, certain factors must be taken into account. First, the defiance must interfere with the child’s ability to function in school, home, or the community. Second, the defiance cannot be the result of another disorder, such as depression, anxiety, or the more serious Conduct disorder. Third, the child's problem behaviors have been happening for at least six months. The diagnostic criteria for this disorder are as follows:
Deliberately annoying people
Blaming others for own mistakes
Easily annoyed
Angry and resentful
Spiteful or even vengeful
If the child meets at least four of these criteria, and they are interfering with the child’s ability to function, then he or she technically meets the definition of Oppositionally defiant.[1]
Prevalence
The DSM-IV cites a prevalence of between 2 & 16% for ODD.
Prognosis
Childhood Oppositional Defiant Disorder is strongly associated with later developing Conduct disorder.[2] Untreated, about 52% of children with ODD will continue to meet the DSM-IV criteria up to three years later and about half of those 52% will progress into Conduct Disorder.[3]
Treatment
There are a variety of approaches to the treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). One evidence-based approach with empirical support is an approach developed by Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.[4][5][6] This approach uses a parent training model and begins by focusing on positive approaches to increase compliant behaviours. Only later in the program are methods introduced to extinguish negative or noncompliant behaviours.
References
^ The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual published by the American Psychiatric Association
^ Lahey, B., & Loeber, R. (1994), Framework for a developmental model of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. In D.K. Routh (Ed.) Disruptive Behavior Disorders in Childhood (pp. 139-180). NY: Plenum Press.
^ Lahey, B., Loeber, R., Quay, H., Frick, P., & Grimm, J., (1992) Oppositional defiant and conduct disorders: Issues to be resolved for the DSM-IV. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 31, 539-546.
^ Barkley, R., (1997) Defiant Children: A Clinician's Manual for Assessment and Parent Training, NY: Guilford Press
^ Barkley, R., & Benton, C., (1998), Your Defiant Child, NY: Guilford Press
^ Barkley, R., Edwards, G., & Robin, A., (1999), Defiant Teens: A Clinician's Manual for Assessment and Family Intervention, NY: Guilford Press
See also
Controversy about ADHD (details arguments similar to those that surround Oppositional Defiance Disorder)