ODD or Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a behavior disorder and it affects one in ten children. This disorder is more common in boys than in girls. The main characteristics of Odd are defiance, negative attitude, irritable and uncooperative behavior - particularly toward parents and teachers.

Children that suffer from ODD can be incredibly difficult to live with and can cause a lot of distress within a family. Not only is it difficult for parents to deal with, but often siblings will suffer from the ODD childs behavior.

Many people will not agree that ODD is an actual disorder and may just think that the child is naughty and needs some good discipline. However, a child with ODD is beyond 'normal' naughtiness and is not just naughty sometimes but will be naughty and defiant almost all of the time. A parent will usually feel if their child is just naughty or if it goes beyond normal bad behavior.

Symptoms of ODD

ODD symptoms include:

• Frequent temper tantrums


• Frequent arguments with authority figures


• Refusal to obey requests from adults


• Refusal to follow set rules


• Will usually, if not always, blame others for their behavior or mistakes


• Will be easily annoyed by others


• Will continually try to annoy and upset others


• Will often speak in an unkind manner


• Will always need to have the last word in an argument


• Will often seek revenge

Diagnosis of ODD

For a diagnosis, the child will need to be assessed by a child psychiatrist. They will likely take a detailed history of the child's behaviors and will also observe the child and talk to the child. It may take a few visits for the doctor to become familiar with the child and be able to make a diagnosis.

If you suspect your child has ODD or any other disorder it is important to get a diagnosis early. Early intervention will give the best results and help to prevent future problems with your child. Children with ODD will often suffer from other mental disorders such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or anxiety disorders, so it is very important to have your child assessed so all problems can be dealt with.

Treatment for ODD

Treatments available include:

• Psychotherapy. This may include cognitive behavior therapy for the child which can improve communication skills, impulse control and anger management.


• Family therapy. As ODD effects the whole family, often some changes in the family routine or system is required so family therapy can be quite effective. This may include things like family interactions to improve communication skills for all family members. Parents can also learn new and more effective ways to deal with their childs behavior.


• Peer group therapy can often help your child to develop better social skills and interpersonal skills.


• Medication is sometimes used but as a last resort, although usually medication is not very effective for ODD.

Sometimes a childs behavior can be the result of a food intolerance so it is also recommended to change your childs diet to see if that makes a difference. Avoiding certain preservatives may also improve your childs behavior.

To find out more about ODD visit http://ourexceptionalkids.com/