Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a pattern of hostile behavior by children and teens toward their parents or other authority figures. They may argue about and break rules, lose their temper, annoy others on purpose, blame others for their mistakes or misbehavior, and be overly sensitive, angry, resentful, or vengeful.
Defiance is fairly common in all children, especially in teenagers. Before a diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder can be made, the disorder characteristics need to persist over 6 months and cause significant problems within the family. And it may cause problems at school or work.
Many children and teens with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have oppositional defiant disorder. The oppositional defiant behavior of some children and teens will get worse and lead to conduct disorder. Children with conduct disorder may have a pattern of lying, stealing, and cheating, may skip school or run away from home, and may harm animals, property, and other people.
Treatment for children who have oppositional defiant disorder includes therapy, such as family therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Parenting classes may also help.
How can you care for your child who has oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)?
- Help your child find a counselor they trust. Encourage your child to talk openly and honestly about their problems.
- Make sure your child goes to all counseling appointments.
- Talk to your child. Help your child learn that it is okay to be angry or upset at times. Teach healthy ways to work through those feelings.
- Teach your child ways to express anger that do not hurt others. Do not reward angry or violent behavior.
- Try using "time-out" to stop aggressive behavior. Time-out means that you remove your child from a stressful situation for a short period of time.
- Talk to your doctor about parent education classes or helpful books about child behavior.
- Talk with other parents about the ways they cope with behavior issues.
- Talk to your doctor about family therapy. This can help the rest of your family to deal better with a child with ODD.
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You are so frustrated with your child that you are afraid you might hurt them.
- You are afraid your child might hurt you or another family member.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If your child talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away. You can:
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
- Text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Go to 988lifeline.org for more information or to chat online.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You want tips to help your child control their behavior.
- You want to see a behavior counselor.
- Your child does not get better as expected.
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