Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a recurrent pattern of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behavior toward authority figures. Typical behavior problems include arguing with adults, refusing to follow directions, persistently testing limits, and failing to accept blame for misdeeds. To be qualified as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, these problems must be more frequent and severe than in children at a similar level of development. Treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder typically involves providing behavior management strategies to parents for increasing compliant behavior and decreasing family tensions. Interventions may include parenting help, compliance training, and individual or family therapy.