Treatment of Childhood Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Abstract

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a common behavioral disorder of childhood which can be described as a learned pattern of behavior reinforced by caregivers’ responses. Behavioral modification for ODD, particularly in preschool and school-aged children, should primarily focus on teaching caregivers to reinforce positive behaviors, discourage negative behaviors, and ultimately interrupt the cycle of argumentativeness and deliberate attention-seeking behavior. Unfortunately, children who are referred for behavioral therapy for ODD often do not receive evidence-based treatments that target the root cause of the disorder. There is some role for the use of psychopharmacology in the treatment of ODD, though primarily in the treatment of underlying and comorbid disorders. The core symptoms of ODD are not amenable to pharmacotherapy, and behavioral modification is the mainstay of intervention. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently occurs with ODD. Poor impulse control is a core feature of ADHD, and appropriate use of stimulant and/or non-stimulant ADHD medications can help children with ODD make better behavioral choices and be more successful with behavior modification programs. There is some evidence for the effectiveness of atypical antipsychotics in disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs), but the target symptoms of explosive and aggressive behaviors are seen only in children with more severe ODD who progress to conduct disorder (CD). Pediatric providers should understand the evidence-based behavioral interventions and targeted psychiatric medications that will achieve the best outcomes for children with ODD.