Parent Guide group G

1. Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) &
Conduct Disorder (CD)
Signs and Symptoms
o Engages in disruptive behavior
o Deliberately defies rules or laws
o Displays aggressive behavior
o Involved in bullying
o Instigates fights
o History of violating the right of others
o Fire setting
o Physically Harming other people or animals
o Contentious with Adults, Police, or Parent, etc.
o Does not take accountability for their actions
How is it diagnosed?
o The provider will evaluate the
frequency, severity and duration
of your child’s symptoms
o These behaviors can vary in
severity depending on the
setting, so information may be
gathered from teachers as well.
What Caused this Disorder?
o The cause of ODD and CD is not completely
understood. However, there are several parts of the
brain that function differently for children and
adolescents with this disorder.
o Differences found in the brains of children and
adolescents with ODD and CD include
o Decreased release of cortisol from the pituitary
gland in response to stress causes symptoms of
fearlessness, aggression, and problems regulating
emotions.
o Decreased grey matter volume in parts of the brain
(the amygdala and prefrontal cortex). This can
cause kids to be less responsive to punishments
o Changes are also seen in children/ adolescents
brain neurotransmitters causing symptoms of
inattention and low motivation to follow the rules.
o Low dopamine levels which causes thrill seeking
behaviors
Treatment Options
o Psychotherapy
 Cognitive Problem-Solving Skills Training:
Teaches the adolescents to respond
positively to stressful situations
 Parent-Management Training Programs and
Family therapy: Teaches parents and other
family members positive reinforcement and
ways to discipline more effectively
 Social-skills Program and School: Teaches
adolescents how to relate more positively to
peers
o Medications
 Abilify
 Risperdal
 Guanfacine
 Stimulants if ADHD also present
o Supplements
 Omega 3 fatty acids acids to help regulate
mood and emotions
 Vitamin E to help with Omega-3 absorption
 Melatonin for sleep
 Zinc to help neutralize brain chemicals

2. References
 Ghosh, A., Ray, A., & Basu, A. (2017). Oppositional defiant disorder:
current insight. Psychology research and behavior management, 10,
353–367. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S120582
 Matthys, W., Vanderschuren, L. J., & Schutter, D. G. (2013). The
neurobiology of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct
disorder: Altered functioning in three mental domains.
Development and Psychopathology, 25(1), 193–207.
https://doi.org/10.1017/s0954579412000272
 Sadock, B. J., Sadock, V. A., & Ruiz, P. (2014). Kaplan & Sadock’s
synopsis of psychiatry: Behavioral sciences/clinical psychiatry (11th
ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.