Adolescence is commonly a turbulent and trying time for most teens and their parents, but sometimes what first appears to be a normal case of teenage rebellion can actually be much worse. It’s estimated that up to 16% of school-aged children suffer from oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), which is characterized as a pattern of angry and vindictive behavior.
Even though these behaviors may sound similar to other, less severe teenage behavioral issues, this condition is considerably more serious. Parents dealing with teens who have ODD may feel like failures because their normal parenting techniques are ineffective. However, since many parents are completely unaware of the condition, this isn’t a case of being a bad parent—it’s a case of undiagnosed illness.
Understanding the Symptoms of ODD
According to the criteria set out by the American Psychiatric Association in the DSM-5, teens must present at least four of the following eight signs for more than six months to be diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder:
- Refusal to agree to requests from the majority or follow rules established by consensus
- Being angry with or resenting others (not including siblings)
- Deliberately attempting to annoy others
- Frequent arguing
- Easily losing their temper
- Blaming others for their own mistakes
- Being easily annoyed or bothered
- Engaging in revenge-seeking behaviors
At first glance, many of these symptoms may seem like common teenage behavior; however, to be considered as a sign of ODD, these behaviors must interfere with normal functioning and cause an unusual amount of stress on other family members.
The Causes of ODD
There is no single cause of oppositional defiant disorder. Instead, most psychiatric professionals believe that it develops due to a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Research has shown that conduct disorders such as ODD can be passed along from parent to child, and it’s possible that this is due to heritability of genes that regulate aggression. However, it’s just as likely that factors such as low socioeconomic status, dysfunctional parenting, and living as a minority in a majority culture contribute to this condition as well.
Dealing with ODD in Troubled Teens
If you’re worried that your teen might be struggling with ODD, your first step should be to seek out a mental health professional who can provide you with an official diagnosis. There are several other behavioral disorders that are quite similar to oppositional defiant disorder, so it’s important that all other possibilities are ruled out.
The actual treatment of ODD will depend on several factors, such as your teen’s willingness to participate in the treatment process and the severity of his or her symptoms. However, some common approaches include individual or family counseling, psychiatric medications, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
ODD symptoms are very unlikely to improve on their own or without the help from certified professionals, so it’s important that you begin treatment as a soon as possible. If left untreated, your teen’s ODD could possibly worsen and pose severe problems in adult life.
