Chapter 3 - Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Abstract

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is characterized by a pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior. Children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are frequently diagnosed with ODD, and children with ODD often have comorbid learning disorders, emotional disorders (depression and anxiety), and communication Disorders. There are several reasons why it is important to intervene quickly to reduce the symptoms of ODD. Parent training programs are among the most researched treatment programs for conduct problems. The other frequently used method for treating ODD is cognitive behavioral skills training. These programs include problem-solving skills training, anger control training with stress inoculation, anger coping program, and self-instructional training. The case study presented in the chapter was illustrative of typical ODD in which the child had several comorbid conditions (ADHD, poor academic functioning, and poor peer relations) and was potentially at risk of developing increasingly severe antisocial behavior. Thus, it was important that appropriate and effective interventions be implemented. In both conceptualizations, it is believed that the symptoms of ODD originated from the ADHD and concomitant academic failure. However, in the first conceptualization, it was hypothesized that the symptoms of ODD are being maintained by ineffective and inconsistent parental discipline strategies. Thus, treatment focused on initiating parent training and helping both parents to begin using effective contingency management techniques in an attempt to reduce the child's oppositional and defiant behavior. It is believed that a proper conceptualization is of utmost importance in determining the most effective treatment.