Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Conduct Problems Overview

  • Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
    • A psychological disorder commonly diagnosed in children.

Goals of Socializing Children

  • Essential for children to develop:
    • Impulse Control: Ability to manage immediate reactions.
    • Behavior Organization: Structuring actions to achieve tasks.
    • Sustained Attention: Focus on both short- and long-term goals.
  • Children must learn to cope with:
    • Daily challenges (e.g., minor frustrations).
    • Major life events (e.g., family changes).

Transient Behavioral Issues

  • A child's desire for autonomy may lead to non-compliance, manifesting in behaviors such as:
    • Tantrums: Sudden, intense reactions often related to frustration or anger.
    • Whining: Prolonged expressions of dissatisfaction.
    • Non-compliance: Refusing to follow rules or requests.
    • Stealing: Taking possessions without permission, often linked to impulse control.
    • Aggression: Physical or verbal behavior intended to harm.
    • Defiance: Open resistance to authority.
    • Lying: Providing false information to escape situations.

Developmental Progression of Non-compliance Strategies

  • Kuczynski & Kochanska (1990) identified three strategies:
    • Direct Defiance: Openly opposing instructions or requests.
    • Passive Non-compliance: Failing to respond or follow through without active resistance.
    • Negotiation: Attempting to reach a compromise rather than outright refusal.

Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

  • Angry/Irritable Mood:

    • Loses temper: Frequent bursts of anger.
    • Touchy, easily annoyed: High sensitivity to stressors.
    • Angry, resentful disposition: General dissatisfaction with circumstances.
    • Difficulty regulating emotions: Can lead to depressive disorders later in life.

  • Argumentative/Defiant Behavior:

    • Engaging in arguments with adults or authority figures.
    • Intentional refusal to comply with requests.
    • Deliberate annoyance: Seeking to upset others purposefully.
    • Blaming others for one's own mistakes, reflecting a lack of responsibility.

  • Often comorbid with ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

  • Vindictiveness:

    • Exhibiting spiteful behavior as a response to perceived wrongs.
    • Seeking revenge may indicate a broader issue with emotional regulation.

Diagnostic Criteria for Oppositional Defiant Disorder

  • Minimum of 4 symptoms exhibited for at least 6 months.
  • Additional specifics:
    • For children < 5 years old: Symptoms must occur most days.
    • For children > 6 years old: Symptoms at least once per week.
    • Must occur in interaction with someone other than a sibling.

Impact of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

  • Can severely impair social and academic functioning.
  • Severity ratings based on symptoms' pervasiveness:
    • Mild: Symptoms present in 1 setting.
    • Moderate: Symptoms present in 2 settings.
    • Severe: Symptoms present in 3 or more settings.
  • About 60% of children with ODD show symptoms across multiple environments, indicating a need for comprehensive intervention strategies.