Oppositional Defiant Disorder
by Anthony Kane MD
Introduction
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a psychiatric behavior disorder that is characterized by aggressiveness and a tendency
to purposefully bother and irritate others. These behaviors cause significant difficulties with family and friends and at
school or work.
Oppositional defiant disorder is sometimes a precursor of conduct disorder. Much of the literature tends to lump these two
conditions together. However they seem to be distinct entities and although conduct disorder does have a genetic component ODD does not.
Description
Oppositional defiant children show a consistent pattern of refusing to follow commands or requests by adults. These children repeatedly lose their temper argue with adults and refuse to comply with rules and directions. They are easily
annoyed and blame others for their mistakes. Children with ODD show a pattern of stubbornness and frequently test limits even in early ...
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