2. General Information on Oppositional Defiant Disorder Oppositional defiant disorder is marked by ongoing hostile and defiant behavior in children toward authority figures and other adults that interferes with their daily functioning.
3. Causes of Oppositional Defiant Disorder There is not a specific known cause of ODD but there are different biological, environmental and genetic causes. Many studies suggest that children with ODD may have some sort of defect or injury in their brain. Many of the children with ODD have environmental factors that may have caused it such as a “dysfunctional” family. ODD may also be caused genetically if a child has a history of mental illness in their family.
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5. Diagnosis of ODD ODD is usually diagnosed based on symptoms, however the doctor will do tests to rule out side effects of medications or other disorders that could cause these problems. The doctor may also look for symptoms of Depression or ADHD because they often occur simultaneously.
6. Treatment for ODD Odd is often treated with psychotherapy a type of counseling that often helps children with ODD. Cognitive behavior therapy, family therapy, and parental management therapy are also often used. There are also medications that can be used, although they treat individual symptoms of ODD, not the disorder itself.
