Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Up to 16% of school-aged children and teenagers have oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which can make it difficult to be productive and maintain strong interpersonal relationships. At Alamo Premier Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas, the skilled mental health providers screen for and treat ODD to enhance your child’s mental health and overall well-being. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by phone or request one online today.

What is oppositional defiant disorder?

Oppositional defiant disorder, also called ODD, is a condition affecting the behaviors of children and teenagers. It’s described as ongoing and frequent irritability, anger, defiance, and arguing with authority figures. 

If your child or teen exhibits these behavior patterns and it’s causing problems at school or at home, see the experts at Alamo Premier Mental Health for an evaluation and treatment recommendations.

What are the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder?

The symptoms associated with oppositional defiant disorder include:

• Angry outbursts
• Frequent arguing
• Irritability
• Hurtful behaviors toward others
• Defiance 
• Seeking revenge
• Being spiteful
• Losing their temper easily
• Being easily annoyed by other people
• Refusing to obey rules
• Upsetting other people on purpose
• Blaming other people for their mistakes
• Trying to hurt others by being mean
• Vindictive behavior patterns

Symptoms of ODD often begin during a child’s preschool years. It can cause problems during social activities, school, and family life. Treatment with the experts at Alamo Premier Mental Health offers symptom improvements. 

What are the risk factors for oppositional defiant disorder?

ODD risk factors include:

• Certain personality traits
• Brain changes
• Lack of parental supervision
• Being disciplined harshly
• Inconsistent discipline
• Abuse
• Neglect
• Unstable family relationships
• Family history of mental health disorders or substance misuse
• Difficulty making and keeping friends

However, the exact cause of ODD isn’t entirely clear. Complications might eventually include poor work or school performance, legal issues, antisocial behavior patterns, suicidal thoughts, or substance abuse.

Children and teenagers with oppositional defiant disorder may also have depression, conduct disorder, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or similar conditions.

How is ODD diagnosed?

The experts at Alamo Premier Mental Health can screen for ODD by completing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. They discuss your child’s emotions, behaviors, lifestyle, thoughts, moods, and more. 

Alamo Premier Mental Health also offers DNA-based testing (pharmacogenetic testing) to learn which medications may be beneficial based on your child’s genetic makeup.

How is oppositional defiant disorder treated?

Treating oppositional defiant disorder may consist of:

• Stress reduction (meditation, yoga, tai chi, massage, etc.)
• Healthy lifestyle modifications
• Parental training
• Medication management
• Family therapy 
• Social skills training
• Problem-solving training
• Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Other forms of psychotherapy 

It’s helpful to follow up routinely with the experts at Alamo Premier Mental Health to ensure your child or teenager is making progress. Call the office anytime with concerns or questions.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth oppositional defiant disorder evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by calling the office or requesting a visit online today.