Quick Facts on Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavior disorder that puts children persistently at odds with authority figures. Children with ODD are temperamental, disobedient, spiteful, or vindictive to a highly unusual degree. The disorder significantly undermines the child’s ability to get along with family, peers, and other adults.

• Unusually quick to lose his temper
• Ignores or rebels against rules, at home or at school
• Quick to blame others for mistakes or misbehavior
• Prone to annoy others and be easily annoyed himself
• Disruptive behavior appears to be intentional rather than impulsive
• Refuses to cooperate reflexively—even before he knows what is being asked

ODD is usually treated with a type of behavioral therapy that includes parents, or a combination of behavioral intervention and medication. Treatment like Parent-Child Interaction Therapy is designed to increase positive parent-child interactions and teach the parent limit-setting skills that enable children to control disruptive behaviors and increase desired behaviors.

Medicines are not specifically indicated for ODD, but may be administered for co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, or to help the child get the most out of therapy sessions.

Learn more about oppositional defiant disorder.