Myomancy ADHD, Dyslexia and Autism

Oppositional Defiant Disorder is a behavioural problem that is often linked with ADHD

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Defined

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), sometimes referred to as Oppositional Defiance Disorder, is a behaviour problem seen in children below 9 or 10. Defined by the presence of markedly defiant, disobedient, provocative behaviour that does not descend into more severe dissocial or aggressive acts.

It is possibly a subtype of Conduct Disorder (CD), a more serious problem that often involves violence, cruelty and destruction of property. Research into whether Oppositional Defiant Disorder leads into Conduct Disorder found that some types of ODD do lead to CD in later life.

ADHD & Oppositional Defiant Disorder

The behaviour of children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder is often confused with the symptoms of ADHD. Both can involve a disregard for the rules however the main difference is that ODD is the willful disregard for the rules here as children with ADHD tend to break the rules through impulsive actions.

The two problems are often comorbid. In one study, 92 boys with ODD were assessed and 42 had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Following up on the same children two years, 25% of the boys had other problems as well including anxiety or mood disorders. Oppositional Defiant Disorder, when combined with ADHD, is a high risk factor for later mental health problems. Other studies looking at the abilities of children with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder found that children with both ADHD and ODD were significantly more impaired in their ability to generate strategies and to monitor their ongoing behavior compared to those with just ODD.

Causes and Treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder

There is very little scientific data on the causes or treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Some studies have suggested that parental mental health problems may have a strong bearing on ODD but this is true for many mental health issues. Treatment options appear very limited.

Sources
Is Childhood Oppositional Defiant Disorder a Precursor to Adolescent Conduct Disorder? Findings from a Four-Year Follow-up Study of Children with ADHD.
Persistence and Desistance of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in a Community Sample of Children With ADHD.

Preschool Boys With Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Clinical Presentation and Diagnostic Change.

Do Executive Function Deficits Differentiate Between Adolescents with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant/Conduct Disorder? A Neuropsychological Study Using the Six Elements Test and Hayling Sentence Completion Test