Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is one of the most common mental disorders that affect children and teenagers. In most cases, ODD extends into adulthood. Children with ODD demonstrate frequent patterns of defiant, negative, disobedience and hostile behaviors toward a parent or person in power. A child may reject discipline, blame others for their mistakes, become easily angered, and manipulative.
Children diagnosed with ODD have shown a consistent pattern in these behaviors for a period of six months and longer. These behaviors begin to develop as early as preschool age and as late as 8 years old. Statistics represent 20 percent of school aged children currently have ODD. It is more common for young boys to develop ODD. It becomes more common in girls as they enter their teenage years.
Many teens and children that have been diagnosed with ODD have other diagnosed behavior problems. Some suffer from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(A. D. H. D.), depression, anxiety, and/or learning disabilities. Children with A. D. H. D and ODD have a much harder time controlling their behavior. Medications used to treat A. D. H. D may lower the symptoms of ODD. Read the rest of this entry »


