Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a pattern of behaviors seen in children and adolescents who are almost always in conflict with the authority figures in their lives. The behavior problems result in tremendous tension and spiraling conflict in the parent-child relationship, with teachers and with other adults.
A child with ODD is highly temperamental and resists rules and expectations, refuses to follow directions, and is spiteful or vindictive to an extent far beyond the usual behavior of his age group. This behavior significantly undermines his schooling and relationships with peers and family. Untreated, ODD typically leads to other behavioral and learning problems, as the low frustration tolerance impacts so many areas of a child’s life.