Symptoms and Causes of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
- Monday, December 21, 2009, 7:16
- Children's Health, Health Care
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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is one of the most common psychological disorders of childhood that can pave way for far more serious problems later in life. Children diagnosed with this disorder exhibit poor conduct in terms of their relationship with social norms and rules and regulations imposed on them.
These children are often unable to keep their emotions in control and are known to throw temper tantrums, have regular disagreements with their parents and teachers and are disobedient.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder can make an appearance anytime between 3-7 years of age and is considered to be a catalyst to conduct disorder. Research tells us that almost every child diagnosed with conduct disorder was also diagnosed with ODD but only 25% of children with ODD develop conduct disorder. It is therefore essential for parents to be on the lookout for any signs and symptoms of ODD and get timely help in order to secure their child’s future.
Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder:
Children diagnosed with ODD are extremely aggressive and hostile towards others. They come across as pessimistic, destructive and extremely insolent and show no respect towards their elders. They are rebellious and refuse to obey any figures of authority such as their parents and teachers. These children also face difficulties in adjusting to social situations and might not get along with their peers.
What causes Oppositional Defiant Disorder?
The causes of this disorder vary from child to child. Research tells us that children who live in foster homes or come from extremely poor backgrounds and belong to large size families are prone to developing ODD. Also, parents who use harsh methods of disciplining the child tend to encourage violent behavior and put their child at an increased risk for developing ODD. Thus, beating the child or using other ruthless forms of punishment should be avoided.
Other factors include unstable marriage of the parents, divorce or domestic violence and lack of love and affection and family bonding. Also, children who are persistently alienated by their parents or teachers and are rejected by their peers tend to develop ODD.
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