Oppositional Defiant Disorder is most often diagnosed in younger children. ODD may take one of several courses as the child develops:
- Symptoms decrease and the child develops normally.
- Related conditions, perhaps ADHD, Conduct or Mood Disorders, compound the severity of the child's dysfunction over time.
- Symptoms change as the child develops and the ODD diagnosis changes to reflect a different disorder altogether.
Conduct Disorder usually begins early in the ODD child. Parents may see signs of cruelty to animals or other children, stealing, fire-setting, or lack of empathy, indicating the more dangerous Conduct Disorder. Conduct Disorder escalates as the child gets older, and the child becomes a danger to self and others. Though Conduct Disorder is a disorder of behavior, other psychological disorders such as ADHD or a Mood Disorder are frequently found in these kids. Successful treatment is possible with wrap-around interventions that address neurochemical, environmental, and cognitive-behavioral issues present in the child or adolescent exhibiting Conduct Disorder.
Related Resources:
Disruptive Behavior Disorders -Strategies for Parents
Strategies for parents to cope with children's disruptive behavior problems.