Oppositional Defiance Disorder Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Oppositional Defiance Disorder - Essay Example The symptoms of Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD) are observed in multiple settings with more noticeable actions at school or at home. The rate of ODD found in adolescents and school age children is 1-16 percent. The factors that cause ODD are not known however psychological, social and biological factors can play a role in the development of the disorder. Therefore it is essential to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of a child with ODD symptoms since there are chances that the child may have disorders like learning disability, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety disorders and mood disorders (bipolar disorder, depression). A comprehensive evaluation can diagnose these coexisting disorders that require preliminary treatment before treating the child for ODD (Children With Oppositional Defiant Disorder 2009). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of American Psychiatric Association explains oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as a recurrent process of defiant, negativistic, hostile and disobedient behavior exhibited towards authority personality that continues for a minimum period of six months. Some of the behaviors comprise arguing with adults, losing temper, actively resisting requests, purposely annoying people, refusal to obey directions and rules, being touchy, complaining others for the misbehavior and mistakes of the person, spiteful, resentful, easily angered or annoyed or vindictive. Oppositional defiant disorders can be diagnosed in a child when there is a consistent and persistent pattern of hostility and disobedience towards teachers, parents or other adults. Children with ODD show testing limits and stubbornness even their early childhood. The primary behavioral complexity of ODD is the constant pattern of refusal to follow the commands or obey the requests of adults. ODD i s substantiated when problem behaviors take place more recurrently in a child when compared to other children of the same