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.