Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

ODD is a persistent behavioural pattern of anger or irritability; argumentative, defiant behaviour toward authority figures; and vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months. In some children with ODD, these behaviours are only evident in one setting – usually at home. In more severe cases, they occur in multiple settings. For a diagnosis of ODD, the frequency and intensity of these behaviours must be outside the typical range for the child’s gender, culture and developmental level.

A diagnosis of ODD is provided if the individual shows at least four symptoms within the past 6 months.

• Often loses temper
• Is often touchy or easily annoyed
• Is often angry and resentful
• Often argues with authority figures or, for children and adolescents, with adults
• Often actively defies or refuses to comply with requests from authority figures or rules
• Often deliberately annoys others
• Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehaviours
• Spiteful or vindictive at least twice within the past 6 months

Children or adolescents with ODD often benefit from a range of treatment methods used in combination.