Differences in the way nerves and the brain function also may play a role. A child's natural personality or character - also called temperament - may contribute to developing ODD. Causes may include a combination of genetic and environmental factors: There's no known clear cause of oppositional defiant disorder. Ask your child's pediatrician or other health care provider for a referral to a mental health provider. If you think your child may have ODD or other problem behavior, or you're concerned about your ability to parent a challenging child, seek help from a child psychologist or a child psychiatrist with expertise in behavior problems. Instead, your child will probably complain about unreasonable demands or blame others for problems. Your child isn't likely to see their own behavior as a problem. But with time, problem behavior also may happen in other settings, such as school, social activities and with friends. Some symptoms occur in three or more settings.įor some children, symptoms may first be seen only at home. Some symptoms occur in at least two settings. Symptoms occur only in one setting, such as only at home, school, work or with peers. Has shown vindictive behavior at least twice in the past six months.Tries to hurt the feelings of others and seeks revenge, also called being vindictive.Says mean and hateful things when upset.Often blames others for their own mistakes or misbehavior.Often annoys or upsets people on purpose.

Often actively defies or refuses to follow adults' requests or rules.

Often argues with adults or people in authority.

Is frequently touchy and easily annoyed by others.

They include angry and irritable mood, argumentative and defiant behavior, and hurtful and revengeful behavior. They cause severe problems with relationships, social activities, school and work, for both the child and the family.Įmotional and behavioral symptoms of ODD generally last at least six months. Oppositional and defiant behaviors are frequent and ongoing. Sometimes ODD may develop later, but almost always before the early teen years. Symptoms of ODD generally begin during preschool years.

It's common for children to show oppositional behavior at certain stages of development. Sometimes it's difficult to recognize the difference between a strong-willed or emotional child and one with oppositional defiant disorder.

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