A child with the condition may be disruptive in the classroom and rack up detentions and suspensions for not following rules. At home, they may question their parents and blame siblings for their misbehavior. When punished, they might try to seek revenge. If this sounds familiar, knowing more about the disorder can help you determine whether your loved one could benefit from treatment for ODD.
What Is ODD?
Oppositional defiant disorder, or ODD, is a behavior disorder that affects more than 3% of children. Young people who have oppositional defiant disorder are often labeled “bad kids” because they tend to defy rules. ODD can get in the way of developing strong relationships with parents, teachers, siblings and peers and lead to poor performance in school.
Does ODD Only Affect Children?
Typically, a mental health professional will make an ODD diagnosis during the person’s childhood. This isn’t because ODD only affects kids. Rather, the behaviors associated with ODD are usually so disruptive and troubling that parents seek help for their kids once they enter school.
In some cases, mild ODD may go undiagnosed until adolescence. Without treatment, a person with ODD may continue to face challenges related to ODD into adulthood.
What Causes ODD?
Researchers still haven’t uncovered the exact cause of oppositional defiant disorder. However, they’ve developed two main theories: the developmental theory and the learning theory.
Developmental Theory
The developmental theory is that ODD is a type of developmental delay. Normally, children begin to become less dependent on their parents and guardians as they grow out of their toddler years. Temper tantrums and defiant behaviors in toddlers are a normal part of the fight for that independence. According to this theory, children with ODD are stuck in the toddler phase from a developmental perspective and continue to exhibit challenging behaviors as they struggle to become less attached to adults.
Learning Theory
The learning theory is that ODD is largely environmental and the behaviors associated with it are learned. It states that when children receive primarily negative reinforcement from adults, they may act out in an attempt to get more negative reinforcement. This isn’t because they enjoy being punished but because they believe it’s the only way they can get a reaction or attention from adults around them.
Who Is at High Risk of ODD?
Risk factors that may make a child more likely to develop ODD include:
- Being a boy
- History of abuse or neglect
- Having a parent or caregiver with a substance use or mood disorder
- Lack of supervision
- Instability due to divorce, moving frequently or changing schools often
- Financial insecurity in the family
- Having another mental health condition, such as an anxiety disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or a mood disorder
How to Spot the Signs of ODD
Often, educators, parents and caregivers are the first to recognize the signs of ODD. According to the DSM-5, a child or teen with the condition may:
- Lose their temper often over seemingly minor things
- Become annoyed by others
- Seem touchy and lack a sense of humor
- Be angry or resentful
- Argue with adults who have authority over them
- Defy or ignore rules and requests
- Intentionally try to annoy or upset other people
- Refuse to take responsibility for mistakes or misbehavior
- Plot revenge or act spitefully when disciplined
- Throw temper tantrums
- Use harsh or abusive language
How Is ODD Treated?
Treatment for ODD usually involves mental health therapy rather than medications. Some interventions used to treat the condition include:
- Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT). During this therapy, a mental health professional sits behind a one-way mirror and coaches the child’s caregiver or parent during real interactions. The therapy helps the adult learn how to reinforce positive behavior and communicate with their child.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is an exploration of the thoughts and feelings that drive behaviors. A therapist helps the child understand why they experience anger and negative impulses and works with them to develop strategies to manage their emotions in various situations.
- Family therapy. This therapy involves every member of the household, including siblings and grandparents who live in the same residence. A therapist works with the family to repair relationships and improve communication.
- Social skills training. A therapist helps the child learn how to interact positively with other people and to see the value in building relationships with peers. In some cases, this type of therapy takes place in groups.
Treatment for ODD usually involves therapy rather than medication. Because every child’s situation is unique, mental health professionals often design individualized treatment plans that include different approaches.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy helps your child explore the emotions, triggers and thought patterns behind their defiant behavior. CBT is one of the most common methods used. During sessions, your child works one-on-one with a therapist to recognize unhealthy responses and replace them with positive coping skills. Over time, they learn to handle frustration, disappointment and authority in healthier ways.
Therapists may also help your child identify strengths, such as empathy or problem-solving abilities, and use them to build confidence. Individual therapy gives your child a safe space to talk openly about anger, fear or resentment without judgment.
Family Therapy
Family therapy focuses on improving communication among all household members. This type of treatment often includes parents and siblings. If appropriate, it can also include grandparents or other adults living in or frequently visiting the home. The goal is to reduce blame and conflict while teaching everyone how to work together.
A therapist helps your family understand how interactions can unintentionally reinforce negative behavior. You’ll learn new ways to respond to defiance, stay calm during tense moments and create a more peaceful home environment. These sessions can strengthen relationships and encourage empathy on both sides.
Parenting Support
Parenting a child with ODD can be stressful and exhausting, but support programs can make a big difference. Parent management training (PMT) and PCIT are two common methods that teach practical strategies for handling defiant behavior.
You’ll learn how to set clear rules, follow through with consequences and reward positive actions. Parents who complete these programs often report fewer power struggles and a stronger emotional bond with their child.
It’s also important to look after your own mental health. Joining a support group or working with a counselor who understands ODD can help you manage stress and stay consistent with your parenting techniques.
Group and Social Skills Training
Group therapy gives children with ODD a chance to practice positive behaviors in a supportive environment. During these sessions, they learn how to listen, cooperate, share and resolve conflicts without aggression.
Social skills training focuses on helping your child build empathy and understand how their actions affect others. By learning to communicate and compromise, they gain confidence and start forming better relationships with peers.
Supporting a Loved One With ODD
If your child has been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, it can feel overwhelming at first. You might wonder what you did wrong or how you can make things better. The truth is that ODD isn’t caused by bad parenting. It’s a complex condition that develops from a mix of environmental, genetic and social factors. Your patience and consistency are key in helping your child improve.
Building a supportive home environment starts with clear expectations. Children with ODD often push boundaries, but firm, predictable rules can help reduce chaos and conflict. Praise positive behavior whenever you see it. Even small wins, like following directions or handling frustration calmly, deserve recognition. Over time, this reinforces good habits and builds confidence.
What Can Untreated ODD Turn Into?
Even when ODD causes mild symptoms, the condition can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. Poor performance at school could limit someone’s ability to attend post-secondary education or work in their desired field. If the problems persist beyond adolescence, a person with ODD may struggle to hold a job and maintain romantic and platonic relationships with others.
It’s also important to note that untreated ODD may sometimes progress into conduct disorder. This condition involves more severe behaviors, such as aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property or serious violations of rules and laws. Conduct disorder often requires more intensive treatment, so getting help for ODD early can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes.
Get Help for Oppositional Defiant Disorder
If a loved one shows symptoms of ODD, you have somewhere to turn. Restore Mental Health offers inpatient and outpatient programs that help those with ODD learn to control impulses, communicate more effectively and develop social and interpersonal skills. Take the first step toward getting help by contacting Restore today.
