Children and adolescents can be impacted by different issues related to mental health. “In children up to 10 years old, the most common disorders are those defined as externalizing or disruptive, such as ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD),” points out Gustavo Estanislau, psychiatrist and specialist at the Instituto Ame Sua Mente, during a live session on mental health.
What is oppositional defiant disorder – ODD?
ODD is characterized by behavior that challenges any type of authority, including the mother, father, teacher or other responsible adults. As a result, the family environment can be harmed, as well as school performance. The unstable behaviors associated with ODD can be divided into three groups: irritable mood, argumentative behavior and vengeful behavior.
What is the prevalence of ODD?
According to different studies, ODD is more common among boys than girls. Its prevalence in Brazil varies between 2% and 16% of the population, depending on age and the criteria used. The same percentage range is also estimated within the global context.
What are the symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder?
The diagnosis of oppositional defiant disorder is often complex, as many of the characteristic symptoms are considered common in a child’s development. The difference lies in the intensity of these behaviors, their duration and, ultimately, in some specific behaviors, as for example, vengeful behavior. See some of the most common symptoms:
- Defiant behavior: disobedience to rules, parents and teachers, in addition to refusing to follow instructions;
- Irritable behavior: frequent and intense outbursts of anger;
- Vengeful behavior: this behavior occurs especially towards adults who the child believes have caused him harm;
- Stubbornness: refusal to give in, even when one’s demands are absurd or inappropriate;
- Difficulty dealing with frustration: faced with unpleasant or stressful situations, children tend to become easily discouraged;
- Impulsive behavior: children with ODD commonly act without thinking about the consequences of their actions.
How to differentiate “tantrum” and oppositional defiant disorder?
The confrontational nature of oppositional defiant disorder can lead people to confuse a mental health problem with a type of tantrum on the part of the child.
The main difference between a simple tantrum and typical ODD behavior is its duration. A child’s “tantrum” at specific times may be something that doesn’t warrant major concern. However, when this becomes a permanent behavior, which lasts for months, it is very important to seek out a healthcare professional.
So-called tantrums are also more common up to the age of five and tend to be rare in older children. ODD can occur in older children and adolescents.
What are the causes and consequences of oppositional defiant disorder?
Although it does not have a specific cause, ODD can be triggered by certain factors, such as abuse and aggressive or negligent environments during the child’s development. Genetic predisposition can also be decisive. Therefore, children with a family history of ODD may have a greater chance of developing the disorder.
Among the consequences of oppositional defiant disorder are relationship problems in general. The behavior of a child with the disorder can make friendships difficult and increase the chances of bullying. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the better, as this makes treatment more effective.
How to deal with children or young people with ODD?
The relationship between teachers and children with this disorder can be quite complex. This is because the disorder implies a continuous challenge to authority and can compromise the development of the child or young person.
The most effective approach is one that avoids tone matching at all costs, that is, one should not adopt an aggressive stance to restrain the child. It is very important to remain calm to “lower the temperature of the conflict” through transparent dialog. When the child demonstrates some type of progress in his behavior, even if it is not very significant, praise should be given to encourage continued improvement.
Sports can help control oppositional defiant disorder
Children with oppositional defiant disorder can greatly benefit from playing sports. This is because sports promote energy expenditure, which can reduce the child’s drive. Furthermore, the limits imposed by the rules of sports familiarize the child with the fact that he cannot challenge everything or do what he wants all the time.
How to treat oppositional defiant disorder?
Once diagnosed, ODD is treated on a case-by-case basis. For example, it is possible to adopt behavioral therapy to mitigate a child’s aggression and help him develop skills to improve communication and problem solving.
Another viable treatment is family therapy, which helps to balance relationships between the child, their siblings and their parents or guardians. There are also cases that require the use of medication to control symptoms of impulsiveness, aggression and irritability.
In the school environment, children with ODD can progress through counseling, individualized behavioral intervention plans, and academic support services.
Mental health should be on the agenda of schools and families
Oppositional defiant disorder is just one of the many disorders that can affect the mental health of children and adolescents. That’s why it is essential that the subject stop being taboo in society and that everyone can pursue their emotional development.
The Instituto Ame Sua Mente contributes to different projects and interventions that help promote mental health in the school environment. It is possible to access scientific information, with accessible language on various subjects related to care of the mind in our content menu, at this link.
