Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

We have often heard the terms; “bad pickney” or "ill-mannered” pertaining to some children who are generally non-compliant to instructions. Have you ever stop to think that this child may have a disorder and requires therapeutic intervention? Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is categorized by a frequent and persistent pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness that may significantly impair social functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). According to the DSM 5 children with ODD are:

Angry/Irritable Mood

• Often loses temper

• Is often touchy or easily annoyed

• often angry and resentful

Argumentative/Defiant Behavior

• Often argues with authority figures

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

• Often deliberately annoys others

• Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior

Vindictiveness

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

Does this sound like a child that you know? There is hope as behavioural therapy that encompasses differential reinforcement procedures is a great method of helping children with ODD.