Oppositional defiant disorder, or ODD, is a behavioral disorder in children that can be difficult to identify for many parents. Children may be strong-willed or emotional without actually having ODD because it can be normal for children to behave in ways that oppose their parental figures. Though signs typically develop during preschool, there are times when ODD may develop later and cause significant issues related to family, school, work, and socialization.
To be diagnosed with ODD, at least four symptoms must occur from the following categories:
- Moodiness, both angry and/or irritable
- Losing temper
- Easily annoyed by others
- Resentful
- Defiant behaviors and argumentative speech
- Arguing with authority figures
- Deliberately defying rules or requests by authority
- Purposely annoys people
- Places blame on others for their own mistakes
- Vindictive behaviors
- Spitefulness (must be recorded happening at least twice within a six month period)
These symptoms must occur with at least one other person who is not a sibling, causing significant problems at school, home, or other places frequented by the child. These symptoms must last for at least six months and have no relation to other mental health issues, such as depression. In some cases, symptoms are first seen occurring in the home and in time begin happening in other settings. Mild ODD means the symptoms occurring in only one setting. Moderate ODD occurs in two settings and severe in three or more.
Neurofeedback naturally trains the brain to function calmly and more efficiently. Those with oppositional defiant disorder will experience direct improvements in mood, which will decrease oppositional, impulsive, and/or aggressive behavior. Patients may also notice academic improvement in school as a result of neurofeedback because of these improvements combined with improved executive functions such as attention, focus, and memory. Learn more about how neurofeedback can help your child’s individual, unique case by scheduling a free consultation with our Dr. Jolene Ross.
