Overview

Mental health professionals diagnose oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) if your child meets four or more of the symptom criteria as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for at least six months. The DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association, is the standard reference book for recognized mental illnesses. The symptoms must also be severe and disruptive to daily life.

Your child will likely need to see a child and adolescent psychologist or psychiatrist if they’re showing signs of ODD. These mental health professionals use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate your child for a mental health condition.

Psychiatrists and psychologists often rely on reports from the child’s parents, siblings, friends and teachers to get a full understanding of their behavior.

Your child’s psychologist or psychiatrist will carefully assess your child. They must distinguish oppositional defiant disorder from the following conditions, which may cause similar symptoms:

  • Mild to moderate oppositional behaviors.
  • Untreated attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
  • Mood disorders.
  • Anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.
The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:
  • High blood pressure.
  • Diabetes.
  • Heart failure.
  • Some types of heart valve disease.
Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
  • Don't smoke or use tobacco.
  • Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
  • Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
  • Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce and manage stress.


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