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Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

Description: A pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months showing at least four symptoms and exhibited during interaction with at least one individual who is not a sibling. The disturbance in behavior is associated with distress in the individual or others in his or her immediate social context (e.g., family, peer group, work colleagues), or it impacts negatively on social, educational, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Need to rule out any other psychological or medical causes for condition.

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Signs and Symptoms of ODD

  • Irritable mood

  • Argumentative and defiant behavior

  • Has been spiteful or vindictive at least twice within the past 6 months

  • Aggression

  • Screaming

  • Self-harm

  • Antisocial behavior

  • Impulsivity

  • Anger

  • Is often touchy or easily annoyed

  • Also common: Depression or problem paying attention

  • Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior.

  • Often deliberately annoys others

  • Often argues with authority figures or, for children and adolescents, with adults.

  • Often actively defies or refuses to comply with requests from authority figures or with rules

 

Common Populations/People Vulnerable to ODD

  • Symptoms appear typically before child is 8 years old

  • 1%-16% of school aged children are affected

  • Affects boys more than girls

 

Treatments for ODD

  • Individual and family therapy

  • Treatment can help but can’t be cured

  • Can last for years or be lifelong

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Berks County Resources:

  • Services, Access & Management of Berks County: Mental health services, crisis and emergency interventions. Call 610-236-0530.

  • The Greater Mental Health Alliance (An affiliate of Mental Health America) for support groups. Call 610-775-3000.

  • Dr. Edward Chastka, 1500 Penn Ave. Suite 1, Wyomissing, Pa. Call 484-663-5296

  • Springfield Psychological of Sinking Spring, 2909 Windmill Rd., Sinking Spring, Pa. Call 610-850-9655

  • DGR Behavioral Health, LLC, 2201 Ridgewood Road, #400, Wyomissing, Pennsylvania 19610 Call Dr. Anthony Tzoumas (610) 810-1490

  • Still Point Learning Center, Fleetwood, Pennsylvania 19522, (484) 652-2960

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Greater Lehigh Valley Resources:

  • Services, Access & Management of Lehigh and Northhampton Counties for mental health services, including crisis and emergency services. Call 610-419-9102.

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 802 West Broad Street, Bethlehem, Pa.Education, information and support for family & friends with mental illness. Call 610-882-2102

  • Lehigh Psychological Services, 5920 Hamilton Blvd. # 103, Allentown, pa. Call 610-915-8038

  • Center for Integrative Psychotherapy, 1251 S. Cedar Crest Blvd., Suite 211 D, Allentown, Pa. Call 610-898-3261

  • C. Ryan Consulting, LLC, 4480 Spring Hill Drive , Schnecksville, Pennsylvania 18078, (610) 810-1302

  • Allison Gaines, Psychologist, PsyD, 825 N Cedar Crest Blvd, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18104, (484) 262-0280

 

Web Site Resources:

 

 

Book Resources:

  • The Defiant Child: A Parent's Guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder by Douglas A. Riley

  • The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children by Ross W. Greene PhD

  • What to Do When Your Temper Flares: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Problems With Anger (What to Do Guides for Kids by Dawn Huebner

 

References:

  • American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Arlington, VA, American Psychiatric Association, 2013.

 

  • "What You Should Know About Oppositional Defiant Disorder." Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library. N.p., n.d. Web.

 

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