children s health issues
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Introduction
Oppositional defiant disorder is a recurring pattern of negative, defiant, and disobedient behavior, often directed at authority figures. Children with oppositional defiant disorder are stubborn, difficult, disobedient, and irritable without being physically aggressive or actually violating the rights of others. Oppositional defiant disorder is sometimes thought of as a milder form of Conduct Disorder . However, the two disorders have distinct differences. Children with conduct disorder seem to lack a conscience and, unlike those with oppositional defiant disorder, repeatedly violate the rights of others, sometimes without any sign of irritation. Many preschool and early adolescent children occasionally display oppositional behaviors, but oppositional defiant disorder is diagnosed only if behaviors persist for 6 months or more and are serious enough to interfere with social or academic functioning. What causes oppositional defiant disorder is unknown. It is probably more common among children from families in which adults have loud arguments. This disorder indicates underlying problems that may require further investigation and treatment. 