Oppositional Defiant Behavior Research Articles

The Effectiveness of Compassion-Based Therapy on Oppositional Defiant Behavior and Self-Control in Students with Substance-Dependent Parents

The Effectiveness of Compassion-Based Therapy on Oppositional Defiant Behavior and Self-Control in Students with Substance-Dependent Parents

The Effectiveness of Choice Theory-Based Parenting Education on Distress Tolerance, Family Cohesion, and Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy in Mothers of Children with Oppositional Defiant Behaviors

The Effectiveness of Choice Theory-Based Parenting Education on Distress Tolerance, Family Cohesion, and Maternal Parenting Self-Efficacy in Mothers of Children with Oppositional Defiant Behaviors

The Influence of Coparenting on Preschooler’s Oppositional Defiant Behavior Problems Mediated by Effortful Control

The Influence of Coparenting on Preschooler’s Oppositional Defiant Behavior Problems Mediated by Effortful Control

Psychopathological Risk Assessment in Children with Hyperphenylalaninemia.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare congenital disorder caused by decreased metabolism of phenylalanine determining cerebral impairments. If untreated, PKU might lead to intellectual disability, seizures and behavioral disorders. The aim of this study is to provide a characterization of the psychopathological profile of a pediatric population diagnosed with PKU at newborn screening. an accurate neuropsychological evaluation of 23 patients (aged 8-18 years) with hyperphenylalaninemia (defined as experimental group, EG) and in 23 age-matched healthy controls (defined as control group, CG) was performed using the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory (CABI) and Self-Administrated Psychiatric Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA) questionnaires. the CABI test showed significant differences for the sub-scales related to "Irritable mood", "Oppositional-provocative symptoms" and "ADHD" in the EG compared to CG (p = 0.014, p = 0.032, and p = 0.032, respectively). Patients with hyperphenylalaninemia also presented with significant differences both for anxiety disorder scale and depression scale of SAFA test than controls (p = 0.018 and p = 0.009, respectively). children and adolescents with early diagnosis of PKU showed a psychopathological risk profile characterized by an increased risk of experiencing symptoms such as mood deflection, anxiety, attention deficit, oppositional defiant behavior, and obsessive traits than healthy peers. Our findings highlighted the need of the inclusion of a neuropsychiatric evaluation in the management of these patients to improve their overall quality of life.

In-utero exposure to DDT and pyrethroids and child behavioral and emotional problems at 2 years of age in the VHEMBE cohort, South Africa

BackgroundHalf the world's population is at risk for malaria. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with insecticides has been effective in controlling malaria, yet the potential neurotoxicity of these insecticides is of concern, particularly for infants exposed in utero. ObjectivesTo determine the association of prenatal exposure to DDT/DDE and pyrethroid insecticides and behavioral/emotional problems in two-year-old children. MethodsThe Venda Health Examination of Mothers, Babies and their Environment (VHEMBE) birth cohort in South Africa, measured concentrations of p,p’-DDT and p,p’-DDE in maternal serum and pyrethroid metabolites (cis-DBCA, cis-DCCA, trans-DCCA, and 3-PBA) in maternal urine collected during pregnancy. At 2 years, 683 mothers were interviewed about their children's behavior and emotional development, using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). We examined associations between behavioral or emotional problems and biomarkers of prenatal insecticide exposure. ResultsMaternal serum p,p’-DDT concentrations were associated with heightened withdrawn behavior in 2-year olds, with a 0.24 increase in raw scores (95%CI = 0.00, 0.49) and a 12% increase (95%CI = 1.01, 1.23) in risk of being at or above the borderline-clinical level, per 10-fold increase in concentrations. Ten-fold increases in p,p’-DDT and p,p’-DDE were related to 30% (RR = 1.30; 95%CI = 1.01, 1.67) and 39% (RR = 1.39; 95%CI =1.01, 1.91) higher risks, respectively, for increased oppositional-defiant behavior. p,p’-DDE concentrations were also related to increased risk of ADHD-related problems (RR = 1.30; 95%CI = 0.98, 1.72). Maternal urinary concentrations of cis-DBCA and 3-PBA were associated with increased risk of externalizing behaviors (RR = 1.30; 95%CI = 1.05, 1.62; RR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.03, 1.78 per 10-fold increase, respectively), with some evidence of an association between cis-DBCA and affective disorders (RR = 1.25; 95%CI = 0.99, 1.56). Some associations with maternal pyrethroid concentrations were stronger in girls than boys. ConclusionsPrenatal exposure to DDT and pyrethroid insecticides may be associated with maternally-reported behavioral problems in two-year-old children. Given their long history and continued use, further investigation is warranted.

On the importance of parenting in externalizing disorders: an evaluation of indirect genetic effects in families.

Theoretical models of the development of childhood externalizing disorders emphasize the role of parents. Empirical studies have not been able to identify specific aspects of parental behaviors explaining a considerable proportion of the observed individual differences in externalizing problems. The problem is complicated by the contribution of genetic factors to externalizing problems, as parents provide both genes and environments to their children. We studied the joint contributions of direct genetic effects of children and the indirect genetic effects of parents through the environment on externalizing problems. The study used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data from 9,675 parent-offspring trios participating in the Norwegian Mother Father and child cohort study. Based on genomic relatedness matrices, we estimated the contribution of direct genetic effects and indirect maternal and paternal genetic effects on ADHD, conduct and disruptive behaviors at 8 years of age. Models including indirect parental genetic effects were preferred for the ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, and conduct problems, but not oppositional defiant behaviors. Direct genetic effects accounted for 11% to 24% of the variance, whereas indirect parental genetic effects accounted for 0% to 16% in ADHD symptoms and conduct problems. The correlation between direct and indirect genetic effects, or gene-environment correlations, decreased the variance with 16% and 13% for conduct and inattention problems, and increased the variance with 6% for hyperactivity problems. This study provides empirical support to the notion that parents have a significant role in the development of childhood externalizing behaviors. The parental contribution to decrease in variation of inattention and conduct problems by gene-environment correlations would limit the number of children reaching clinical ranges in symptoms. Not accounting for indirect parental genetic effects can lead to both positive and negative bias when identifying genetic variants for childhood externalizing behaviors.

Case-control study on clinical characteristics of child and adolescent psychiatric outpatients with child-to-parent violence.

ObjectivesTo the best of our knowledge, no case–control study on child and adolescent psychiatric outpatients has investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with child-to-parent violence (CPV). The current study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of child and adolescent psychiatric patients with CPV.Setting and participantsThis research included child and adolescent psychiatric patients who were aged 10–15 years during their initial consultation. The participants were allocated to one of two groups: children with CPV (CPV group, n=109) and without CPV (non-CPV group, n=713).Outcome measuresThis study analysed data including age, sex, diagnostic classification of the primary diagnosis, antisocial behaviour, suicidal attempt or self-harm and refusal to attend school. Moreover, a history of abuse by parents was investigated. Psychological rating scales such as the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale, Depression Self-Rating Scale for Children, Tokyo Autistic Behavior Scale, Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Rating Scale and Oppositional Defiant Behavior Inventory were used.ResultsOf 822 patients who sought consultation in our department, 109 (13.26%) were included in the CPV group during the first consultation. Compared with the non-CPV group, the CPV group had significantly higher proportions of patients who experienced physical abuse, psychological abuse and who witnessed violence between parents. Meanwhile, the proportion of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders was significantly higher in the CPV group than in the non-CPV group. Regarding developmental characteristics, impulsivity might be correlated with CPV. Moreover, violence and behavioural problems outside of home were associated with CPV.ConclusionsIn patients with CPV who sought consultation, the findings of the current study should be considered to understand invisible side and to facilitate the use of appropriate treatment approaches. However, a prospective study should be performed to investigate the causality between CPV and clinical characteristics.

Behavioral and cognitive differences in early childhood related to prenatal marijuana exposure

Prenatal marijuana exposure (PME) negatively impacts child development and behavior; however, few studies have examined these associations at early ages among children exposed to today's highly potent marijuana. Using a prospective prenatal cohort (Columbus, Ohio, USA), PME was determined from maternal self-report, medical chart abstraction, and urine toxicology from prenatal visits and delivery. At age 3.5 years, 63 offspring children completed tasks assessing executive function (EF), visual spatial ability, emotion regulation, and aggressive behavior. Caregivers reported on children's EF and problem behaviors. Logistic regressions and analyses of covariance controlling for key variables were used to examine associations between PME and child outcomes. Compared to non-exposed children, children with PME had more sleep-related problems, withdrawal symptoms, and externalizing problems, including aggressive behaviors and oppositional defiant behaviors. Children with and without PME did not differ in terms of executive functioning. Findings suggest behavioral problems associated with PME may manifest by age 3.5.

Examining Links Between Infant Parasympathetic Regulation during the Still-Face Paradigm and Later Callous-Unemotional Traits.

Although research suggests that callous-unemotional (CU) traits are underpinned by deficits in social affiliation and reduced sensitivity to threat, there has been little investigation of the biophysiological regulatory mechanisms underlying these processes in infancy. The current study uses data from the Durham Child Health and Development Study (DCHD; n = 206) to examine whether and how the combination of infants' behavioral reactivity and levels of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), an indicator of parasympathetic nervous system functioning, during the still-face episode of the still-face paradigm at 6months differentiates risk for CU traits and oppositional defiant behaviors (ODD) at age 3years, as well as whether these relations vary by children's attachment security. Results indicate that reduced negative affect during the still-face episode at 6months predicts higher CU traits (B = -0.28, β = -0.27, p = 0.003) and ODD (B = -0.35, β = -0.24, p = 0.007) at 3years. Results also show that comparatively lower RSA, i.e. engaged parasympathetic system, predicts higher CU traits (B = -0.10, β = -0.34, p = 0.013), but not ODD. Tests of moderation suggest the combination of blunted negative affect but comparatively lower RSA levels during a social stressor constitutes risk for later CU traits for children who are also insecurely attached (simple slope = -0.70, t = 2.88, p = 0.006 at -1 SD). Findings contribute to our understanding of the complex and interactive risk processes which precede the development of CU traits.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of Oppositional Defiant Behavior Inventory

Background: Diagnostic questionnaires play a great role in accelerating the diagnosis of mental disorders. Objectives: This study aimed to provide a cross-cultural adaption form of Self-report oppositional defiant behavior inventory (SR-ODBI) in Persian and assess the validity and reliability of this Persian form. Methods: The present study was done on two research samples, including a sample of 294 students who were selected in the school year of 2019 - 2020 (girls and boys) from high schools of Dezful city by multi-stage random sampling method and a sample of 320 parents. The validity of the oppositional defiant behavior inventory was assessed by two methods of confirmatory factor analysis and convergent validity, and the reliability of the inventory was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and split-half methods. Results: Cronbach's alpha was obtained at 0.73 (0.87) for the whole self-report scale (parent version), 0.72 (0.74) for the subscale of irritability, and 0.81 (0.80) for the subscale of stubborn and resentful behavior. The correlation between SR-ODBI and Achenbach Youth Mental Health Test was 0.56 (P < 0.01). The results of confirmatory factor analysis (RMSEA = 0.06 and 0.08) also indicated a relatively good fit of structures of the oppositional defiant behavior inventory. Conclusions: The results of the research indicated that the Persian version of the Oppositional Defiant Behavior Inventory in Iran has good reliability and validity.

Low social affiliation predicts increases in callous-unemotional behaviors in early childhood.

Callous-unemotional (CU) behaviors predict risk for aggression and rule-breaking. Low social affiliation (i.e. reduced motivation for and enjoyment of social closeness) is hypothesized to be a phenotypic marker for CU behaviors in early childhood. However, studies need to establish observational methods to objectively assess social affiliation as well as to establish parenting practices that can buffer pathways from low social affiliation to CU behaviors. Using data from a longitudinal twin study of 628 children (age 2, 47% females; age 3, 44.9% females), we examined reciprocal associations between observed social affiliation, CU behaviors, and oppositional-defiant behaviors. We tested whether positive parenting moderated associations over time. We established that an observed measure of social affiliation derived from the Bayley's Behavior Rating Scale and Infant Behavior Record showed high inter-rater reliability and expected convergence with parent-reported temperament measures. Lower social affiliation at age 2 uniquely predicted CU behaviors, but not oppositional-defiant behaviors, at age 3. Finally, low social affiliation at age 2 predicted CU behaviors at age 3 specifically among children who experienced low, but not high, levels of parental positivity. An objective rating scale that is already widely used in pediatric settings reliably indexes low social affiliation and risk for CU behaviors. The dynamic interplay between parenting and low child social affiliation represents an important future target for novel individual- and dyadic-targeted treatments to reduce risk for CU behaviors.

Sleep disturbances and their associations with disorders in emotional sphere and behavior in children

The paper addresses associations between sleep disorders and emotional and behavioral disturbances in children. These associations are considered in a view of commonly found co-occurrences of sleep problems, signs of anxiety and depression, oppositional-defiant behavior, and increased aggressiveness. The authors put forward a conception of reciprocal influences of these disturbances and provide information on potential physiological mechanisms responsible for associations between sleep problems and emotional and behavioral disturbances in children. Attention is drawn to hypothalamus-hypophysis-adrenal axis activation, serotonergic and aminergic systems imbalance, impaired melatonin and orexins production. Possibility of an existing pattern encompassing sleep problems, emotional and behavioral disturbances is discussed. Practical recommendations aimed at timely identification and treatment of the mentioned disorders are suggested.

Electroclinical features and outcome of ANKRD11-related KBG syndrome: A novel report and literature review

Electroclinical features and outcome of ANKRD11-related KBG syndrome: A novel report and literature review

No Associations of Psychological Symptoms and Suicide Risk with Disaster Experiences in Junior High School Students 5 Years After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.

IntroductionNatural disasters such as earthquakes can cause substantial damage and trauma, especially to children. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of disaster experience on psychological symptoms, suicide risk, and associated factors in junior high school students 5 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE). The hypothesis of this study was that psychological symptoms and suicide risk of junior high school students are associated with disaster experience.MethodsA cross-sectional survey consisting of questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with students at two junior high schools in Ishinomaki city, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, about psychological symptoms, disaster situations, and their current environment 5 years after the GEJE was conducted. In total, data from 264 (117 boys [44.3%] and 147 girls [55.7%]) students were analyzed.ResultsThere were no associations between disaster experience and PTSSC-15, DSRS-C, and SCAS scores. Those with evacuation experience and still living in temporary housing had significantly higher scores on the oppositional defiant behavior inventory (ODBI). Of these students, 29 (11.0%) were considered to have suicide risk 5 years after the GEJE. The presence of depressive symptoms was the only factor related to suicide risk; no associations were found with sex, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, or other factors reported in previous studies, including disaster experience.ConclusionsDisaster experience was not associated with psychological symptoms (PTSD, depression, anxiety) and suicide risk in junior high school students 5 years after the GEJE. The suicide risk appears to be the same as that in the general population in Japan. However, attention should be paid to externalization problems and depressive symptoms, an important suicide risk factor, even 5 years after the GEJE.

The Use of Collaborative/Therapeutic Assessment With Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Abstract. The aim of the present single case study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of a therapeutic evaluation model (CTA) used for 4 years with a teenage girl (13–17 years of age) with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Clinical evaluations using autobiography as well as the Millon Adolescent Clinic Inventory, House–Tree–Person Drawing, and Rorschach test (Comprehensive System) were conducted at each of four time points: 13, 14, 15, and 17 years of age. An average of four evaluation sessions were carried out at each time point following feedback of the results to the client, reflections about her experience with the evaluation process and with results obtained were requested in writing. Progressive findings reveal a gradual decrease in ODD markers and increasing sophistication, organization, and realism in the configuration of the drawings. The Rorschach test gradually indicated a decrease in aggression content and improvement in the quality of responses. In conclusion, the longitudinal design used in the case shows a strengthening of the self, a notable decrease in oppositional defiant behavior, and an adaptation and adjustment to reality as expected for a young woman of the client’s age.

Machine learning-based prediction of persistent oppositional defiant behavior for 5 years

Background Early detection of oppositional defiant behavior is warranted for timely intervention in children at risk. This study aimed to build a predictive model of persistent oppositional defiant behavior based on a machine learning algorithm. Methods With nationwide cohort data collected from 2012 to 2017, a tree-based ensemble model, random forest, was exploited to build a predictive model for persistent oppositional defiant behavior. The persistent oppositional defiant behavior was defined by the presence of oppositional defiant behavior for all the five years. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and Matthew’s correlation coefficients (MCC) were measured. Results Data of 1,323 children were used for building the machine learning-based predictive model. The baseline mean ± standard deviation month-age of the participants was 51.0 ± 1.2 months. The proportion of persistent oppositional defiant behavior was 0.98% (13/1323). In the hold-out test set, the overall accuracy, AUC, sensitivity, specificity, and MCC were 0.955, 0.982, 1.000, 0.954, and 0.417, respectively. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that the machine learning-based approach is useful for predicting persistent oppositional defiant behavior in preschool-aged children.

The behavioral profile of children aged 1-5 years with sex chromosome trisomy (47,XXX, 47,XXY, 47,XYY).

Children with SCT have an increased risk of suboptimal neurodevelopment. Previous studies have shown an elevated risk for neurobehavioral problems in individuals with SCT. However, not much is known about neurobehavioral problems in very young children; knowledge that could help with early identification of children at risk for suboptimal development, and that could help establish targets for early intervention. This study addressed the question of what the behavioral profile of children with SCT aged 1–5 years looks like. In total, 182 children aged 1–5 years participated in this study (NSCT=87, Nnonclinical controls = 95). Recruitment and assessment took place in the Netherlands and the United States. The SCT group was recruited through prospective follow‐up (50%), information seeking parents (31%), and clinical referral (18%). Behavioral profiles were assessed with the child behavior checklist and the ages‐and‐stages social–emotional questionnaire.Levels of parent‐rated problem behavior were higher in children with SCT. Difficulties with overall social–emotional functioning were already present in 1‐year‐olds, and elevated scores were persistent across the full age range. Affective and pervasive developmental behaviors were seen in late toddlerhood and prominent at preschool age. Anxiety, attention deficit, and oppositional defiant behaviors were seen in preschool‐aged children. Within this cross‐sectional study, the developmental trajectory of affective, pervasive developmental, and oppositional defiant behaviors seemed to be different for SCT children than nonclinical controls.Collectively, these results demonstrate the importance of behavioral screening for behavioral problems in routine clinical care for children with SCT from a young age. Social–emotional problems may require special attention, as these problems seem most prominent, showing increased risk across the full age range, and with these problems occurring regardless of the timing of diagnosis, and across all three SCT karyotypes.

Co-Morbidity between Major Depression and Schizophrenia: Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics.

The aim of this study was to explore the co-morbidity between Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Schizophrenia (SZ) among a large number of patients describing their clinical characteristics and rate of prevalence. A cohort-study was carried out on 396 patients affected by MDD and SZ who consecutively attended the Department of Psychiatry, Rumeilah Hospital in Qatar. We employed the World Health Organization - Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WHO-CIDI) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5) for diagnoses. Patients were also grouped in MDD patients with and without co-morbid SZ (MDD vs MDD/SZ) for comparisons. A total of 396 subjects were interviewed. MDD patients with comorbid SZ (146(36.8%)) were 42.69±14.33 years old whereas MDD without SZ patients (250 (63.2%)) aged 41.59±13.59. Statistically significant differences between MDD with SZ patients and MDD without SZ patients were: higher BMI (Body Mass Index) (p=0.025), lower family income (p=0.004), higher rate of cigarette smoking (p<0.001), and higher level of consanguinity (p=0.023). Also, statistically significant differences were found in General Health Score (p=0.017), Clinical Global Impression-BD Score (p=0.042), duration of illnesses (p=0.003), and Global Assessment of Functioning (p=0.012). Rates of anxiety dimensions (e.g.: general anxiety, agoraphobia, somatisation, etc.), mood dimensions (e.g.: major depression, mania, oppositional defiant behaviour, Bipolar disorder), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, psychotic and personality dimensions were higher among MDD with SZ patients than MDD without SZ. This study confirms that MDD with SZ is a common comorbidity especially among patients reporting higher level of consanguinity. MDD/SZ comorbidity presents unfavourable clinical characteristics and higher levels of morbidity at rating scales.

Serum Galectin-3 Levels in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

ObjectiveAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with underlying pathogenesis and etiological factors not fully understood. We assumed that galectin-3, which is also linked with inflammatory responses, may play an important role in the ethiopathogenesis of ADHD. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether serum galectin-3 levels are related to ADHD in childhood. MethodsThe current study consisted of 35 treatment-naive children with ADHD and 35 control subjects. The severities of ADHD and conduct disorder symptoms were assessed via parent- and teacher-rated questionnaires. The severity of anxiety and depression symptoms of the children were determined by the self-report scale. Venous blood samples were collected and serum galectin-3 levels were measured. ResultsThe ADHD group had significantly higher serum Galectin-3 levels than the control group. To control confounding factors, including age, sex, and BMI percentile, one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test was also performed. Analyses revealed a significantly higher serum log- Galectin-3 levels in children with ADHD compared to controls. No association was found between the mean serum galectin-3 levels and sociodemographic characteristics and clinical test scores, except the oppositional defiant behavior scores. ConclusionOur research supports the hypothesis that serum levels of galectin-3 might be related to ADHD.

Less imitation of arbitrary actions is a specific developmental precursor to callous-unemotional traits in early childhood.

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits in early childhood explain heterogeneity within conduct problems and are associated with higher risk for later diagnoses of childhood disruptive behavior disorders and antisocial behavior in adulthood. Emerging research implicates impairments in affiliative processes in the etiology of CU traits. The current study tests whether the imitation of intentional actions with no functional significance -a behavior that supports the acquisition of social conventions and affiliative bonds, is a specific developmental precursor to CU traits in early childhood. Data came from a longitudinal twin study of 628 children (Age 2: 47% females; Age 3: 44.9% females) with observations of arbitrary (i.e., nonfunctional actions) and instrumental (i.e., functional actions) imitation and parent reports of CU traits and oppositional defiant (ODD) behaviors at ages 2 and 3. Lower arbitrary imitation at age 2, but not instrumental imitation, was related to increases in CU traits from ages 2 to 3 (β=-.10, p=.02). These findings establish early social and affiliative processes in the etiology of CU traits, highlighting that novel personalized treatment and intervention strategies for CU traits may benefit from targeting these processes to help reduce CU traits and risk for persistent conduct problems in children.