These emotional and behavioural issues cause serious problems with family life, social activities, school and work. It is theorized that ODD may develop as a result of the child having difficulty learning to become independent from a parent or other loved one.
ODD is more common in boys than in girls. It most commonly begins by age 8. Children with the following mental health problems are also more likely to have ODD:
*Mood or anxiety disorders
*Conduct disorder
*Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Emotional and behavioral symptoms of ODD generally last at least six months. They include angry and irritable mood, argumentative and defiant behavior, and hurtful and revengeful behavior.
Many children and teens with ODD also have other behavioral problems, like attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, mood disorders (such as depression), and anxiety disorders. About 30% of children with ODD develop a more serious behavior condition called conduct disorder. ODD behaviors can continue into adulthood if ODD isn’t properly diagnosed and treated.
Children with ODD and CD have difficulty maintaining appropriate behavioral relationships with peers, family, and authority figures, and they commonly display aggression and anger. Conduct disorder (CD) is a condition in which the child or adolescent shows an ongoing pattern of aggression toward others.
Oppositional defiant disorder
