Oppositional Defiant Disorder: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Oppositional defiant disorder is one of the clinical diagnoses that brings with it a series of behavioral complications. Reports are often heard in places like school and work that reflect deep discomfort with these situations. On the other hand, the lack of data gives rise to feelings of exclusion and inequality. In general, people who suffer from this clinical picture carry out actions that harm certain social areas that they frequent. Despite the fact that certain attitudes may be characteristic of certain ages and evolutionary moments of the human being, this condition gives rise to notorious differences with respect to ways of understanding life.

In this Psychology-Online article we will provide you with information about the Oppositional Defiant Disorder: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment.

Index

1. What is oppositional defiant disorder
2. Causes of Oppositional Defiant Disorder
3. Oppositional Defiant Disorder Symptoms
4. Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment

Oppositional defiant disorder is a behavior disturbance which is characterized by persistence of a constant state of disobedience, defiance, hostility and disrespect in front of authority figures. That is, this pathology has two different faces. On the one hand, the negativity towards orders given and, on the other hand, the challenge towards the norms through actions that harm the balance of places.

According to the DSM-V^[1], this clinical picture can be located based on a series of specific diagnostic criteria. We detail them below:

• Pattern of anger, irritability, and defiant attitudes.
• persistent discomfort in social settings.
• Significant deterioration of work, social and family relationships.
• Duration of six months or more.
• Behavioral alterations cannot be explained by the presence of other mental disorders or by the intake of toxic substances and/or medications.

The origins of this problem usually vary according to the vicissitudes that each person goes through. However, there are some common patterns that are replicated in cases of oppositional defiant disorder:

Causes of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children

First, the causes of oppositional defiant disorder in children may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. On the one hand, the person plays a transcendental role in the acquisition of this problem, since there may be relatives who have these same behavior patterns. In this sense, it is possible that behavior problems are due to the fact that the telomeres found in the DNA are shorter than those of other children.

Besides, some life situations can significantly influence behavior. In more concrete terms, the acquisition of oppositional and defiant attitudes can be linked to the learning obtained by observing familiar situations.

Causes of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Adults

The presence of other mental health disorders it can interfere with antisocial and defiant behaviors. In this sense, there are diagnoses such as personality disorder limit that give rise to a constant challenge of authorities. Although adults tend to have better control of their emotions, many experience great discomfort through actions they take in work and social settings.

On the other hand, the consumption of toxic substances It may be another cause that gives rise to this diagnosis. Like children, childhood experiences and genetic predisposition should not be left aside.

Within this problem, there are some common manifestations that can be seen in several people. In this section we show you the main symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder in children and adults:

• Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children: Among the most frequent observable behaviors, the presence of anger, impulsiveness, refusal to carry out activities taught by older adults, vengeful and spiteful attitudes, among others. On the other hand, some children place the responsibility for their actions on other people as a Defense mechanism.
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder Symptoms in aadults: In general terms, a lack of respect towards labor authorities, consumption of toxic substances, inability to take on group tasks, marked mood swings, and sudden anger without major fundamentals.

It should be noted that the presence of some symptoms in isolation does not necessarily represent the presence of oppositional defiant disorder. To arrive at an accurate diagnosis, the evaluation of a mental health professional is pertinent.

To reduce the intensity and frequency of this type of behavior, it is crucial to develop strategies that allow an improvement in the quality of life. For this reason, we will locate the treatments for oppositional defiant disorder:

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment in Children

In principle, the approach consists of provide tools that promote positive social interactions in order to manage problem behaviors. In general, this usually occurs through a type of psychological therapy commanded by a specialized mental health professional.

On the other hand, it is important work with the child's family environment so that the social environment assimilates the processes that are occurring. Among the most common therapeutic devices are cognitive-behavioral therapy, therapy therapy, game-based therapy, training in social skills and psychoanalysis, among others. In very serious cases, the provision of psychiatric medication under professional supervision may be suggested.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Treatment in Adults

As with children, in the case of adults, the need for therapeutic support to address behavioral issues of the patient. In fact, adults may have a more radical understanding of the modifying effects of their actions. Among the most consolidated approaches are self-help groups, family therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, among others.

In some cases, you can also opt for the consumption of psychotropic drugs, always under the supervision of a health professional. As alternative options, meditation is an activity that allows a decrease in the intensity of irritability.

This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Oppositional Defiant Disorder: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment, we recommend that you enter our category of Clinical psychology.

1. American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th Edition). Arlington: Panamerican Medical Editorial.

• Torales, J., Barrios, I., Arce, A., Viola, L. (2018). Oppositional defiant disorder: an update for pediatricians and child psychiatrists. Pediatrics Magazine (Asunción), 45 (1), 65-73.
• Vásquez, J., Feria, M., Palacios, L., De la Peña, F. (2010). Clinical guidelines for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Ramón de la Fuente National Institute of Psychiatry.