Why children become defiant

Causes The exact cause of ODD is not known, but both developmental and learned factors are believed to play a possible role in the disorder. A child with oppositional defiant disorder, however, will: display these symptoms much more often than other children consistently demonstrate behavioral issues for a period of at least six months often have problems with school and friendships as a direct result of the behavior have their overall functioning appreciably compromised by their challenging behaviors Will my child outgrow this behavior?

People with conduct disorder are likely to engage in: serious law-breaking behavior destruction of property cruelty to animals and people A child diagnosed with ODD is not automatically going to develop conduct disorder.

The commitment and compassion with which we care for all children and families is matched only by the pioneering spirit of discovery and innovation that drives us to think differently, to find answers, and to build a better tomorrow for children everywhere. Kevin B. Churchwell, President and CEO. Riley agrees. So instead of feeling stupid, their defense is to feel cool. They hone their oppositional attitude. About half of all preschoolers diagnosed with ODD outgrow the problem by age 8.

Older kids with ODD are less likely to outgrow it. And left untreated, oppositional behavior can evolve into conduct disorder, an even more serious behavioral problem marked by physical violence, stealing, running away from home, fire-setting, and other highly destructive and often illegal behaviors.

Any child with ADHD who exhibits signs of oppositional behavior needs appropriate treatment that usually includes a combination of medication and family therapy. And for many kids with ADHD and oppositional behavior, the stimulant medications are a kind of miracle.

A lot of the bad behavior simply drops off. If a child exhibits only mild or infrequent oppositional behavior, do-it-yourself behavior-modification techniques may well do the trick.

The therapist should screen your child for anxiety and mood disorders. Each can cause oppositional behavior, and each calls for its own form of treatment. The therapist may also recommend cognitive therapy for the child, to help him cope effectively with difficult situations. Box , Washington, DC The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry AACAP represents over 9, child and adolescent psychiatrists who are physicians with at least five years of additional training beyond medical school in general adult and child and adolescent psychiatry.

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Return to Table of Contents. If you need immediate assistance, please dial Many children with ODD have other mental health challenges, such as anxiety, mood disorders, and language and learning disorders, he says.

Trauma, parenting, styles and other environmental issues may also contribute. As with many mental health conditions, ODD occurs on a continuum. Children with mild ODD may show symptoms only at home or only at school. ODD is classified as severe when the acting out is seen in three or more settings. Assessing a child for ODD involves a comprehensive medical history and interviews. For children under 8, Sukhodolsky bases his assessment on information from parents and, perhaps, teachers or medical professionals.

Older children speak for themselves. Sukhodolsky says that his experience and training have taught him ways to elicit information without making a child feel threatened, uneasy or angry.