Even the most well-adjusted children may argue with their elders from time to time, talk back to them, disobey or challenge them. These situations especially occur when the child is tired, hungry, stressed or upset. It is considered normal for children to exhibit oppositional and defiant behavior during the ages of 2-3 and early adolescence. If these behaviors are seen frequently and consistently and negatively affect the child's social, family and academic life, ODD should be taken seriously.
Symptoms that suggest ODD in children:
- Frequent tantrums
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- Sensitivity
- Getting angry easily
- Frequent arguments with adults
- Questioning the rules and not obeying them
- Knowingly hurting others anger
- Blaming others for one's mistakes
- Rude and hateful speech when upset
- Hostility
- Holding grudges and seeking revenge
ODD symptoms usually begin in the preschool years. In some children, symptoms may be seen only at home at first, but over time, they begin to be observed in other environments such as school and friends.
The incidence rate in school-age children and adolescents is approximately 3%. The causes of ODD are not fully known. It can be said that biological, psychological, social and environmental factors are effective in the occurrence of ODD. Risk factors for ODD:
- Genetics
- Temperament of the child
- Differences in the child's brain structure
- Insufficient care and supervision of the family
- Faulty upbringing and discipline attitudes
- Domestic problems
- Neglect and abuse of the child
- Mental disorder or addiction in the family
- Growing up in an environment where opposition and defiance are supported/reinforced.
Children and adolescents with ODD symptoms need to undergo a detailed psychiatric examination. . ODD is often accompanied by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorder, depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. In this respect, it is very important to recognize accompanying mental disorders during the examination and not to overlook them for the success of the treatment. Treating co-occurring mental disorders It may be difficult to cure ODD without treatment.
In the treatment of ODD;
- Giving information to the family and child about the disorder
- Changing faulty parental attitudes
- Increasing parenting skills
- Increasing communication and understanding within the family
- Teaching the child anger management skills
- Increasing the child's social skills
- Teaching the child emotional management skills skills
- If necessary, drug treatment is applied to control the symptoms of ODD and accompanying mental disorders.
If ODD is not treated;
- Having problems in relationships with authority figures
- Inability to establish and maintain friendships
- Failure at school and work
- Impulse control problems
- Conduct disorder
- Substance use
- Suicide risk increases.
Early diagnosis and treatment of ODD prevents the worsening of the mental state of most people, improves their social relationships and helps them regain their self-confidence.
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