Identifying Oppositional Defiant Disorder

When a child is extremely uncooperative and/or disobedient, and defies authority figures, he or she may be suffering from Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). ODD is a mental disorder that is usually diagnosed during childhood. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders—Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), in order to meet disorder criteria, a child must exhibit a pattern of negative, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least six months, during which four or more of the following behaviors are present:

1. Often loses temper
2. Often argues with adults
3. Often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults’ requests or rules
4. Often deliberately annoys people
5. Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehaviors
6. Is often touchy or easily annoyed by others
7. Is often angry and resentful
8. Is often spiteful or vindictive

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