Troubled Teens Resources

Oppositional Defiant Disorder often co-exists with ADHD. Unlike Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, not as much research or time has been invested into determining the causes of ODD, a fact that leaves parents frustrated. Is it genetic, is it something they have done?

Though those answers aren’t on the horizon, enough is known about it that theories bandied about suggest an incomplete or unsuccessful phase in childhood development and that, in combination with ADHD, can leave the child psychologically vulnerable to behavioral problems, difficulties in school, and teen age drug abuse down the road.

“The developmental theory proposes that ODD is really a result of incomplete child development. For some reason, these children never complete the developmental tasks that normal children learn to master during the toddler years.

The learning theory suggests that Oppositional Defiant Disorder comes as a response to negative interactions. The techniques used by parents and authority figures on these children bring about the oppositional defiant behavior.”

Listed below are traits evident in a child afflicted with ODD, though the variables are many and these should serve simply as a guideline.

• Loses temper at least twice a week
• Argues with adults at least twice a week
• Actively defies or refuses to comply with adults’ requests or rules at least twice a week
• Deliberately annoys people at least four times a week
• Blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior at least once during the last three months
• Is touchy or easily annoyed by others at least twice a week
• Is angry and resentful at least four times per week
• Acts spiteful or vindictive at least once during the last three months

(Source)