Overview
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavior condition in which your child displays a continuing pattern of uncooperative, defiant and sometimes hostile behavior toward people in authority. This behavior often disrupts your child’s normal daily functioning, including relationships and activities within their family and at school.
It’s common for children — especially those two to three years old and in their early teens — to be oppositional or defiant of authority once in a while. They might express their defiance by arguing, disobeying or talking back to adults, including their parents or teachers. When this behavior lasts longer than six months and goes beyond what’s usual for your child’s age, it might suggest that they have ODD.
The majority of children and teens who have ODD also have at least one other mental health condition, including:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity/disorder (ADHD).
- Anxiety disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Learning differences.
- Mood disorders, such as depression.
- Impulse control disorders.
About 30% of children with ODD develop a more serious behavior condition called conduct disorder. ODD behaviors can continue into adulthood if ODD isn’t properly diagnosed and treated.
What is conduct disorder?
Conduct disorder (CD) is a condition in which your child or adolescent shows an ongoing pattern of aggression toward others. They also show serious violations of rules and social norms at home, in school and with peers.
These rule violations may involve breaking the law. Children with CD are more likely to get injured and may have difficulties getting along with peers.
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