Oppositional Defiant Disorder Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a disruptive developmental disorder that affects approximately 10% of children, with boys being twice as likely to have ODD than girls.
Children with ODD have low self-esteem, and so engage in behaviours that are often destructive to their friendships and relationships with family.
They appear to get quickly frustrated, angry or irritated by situations that wouldn't be expected to anger a child.
They have difficulty regulating their emotions, and so they would frequently throw tantrums and do things that deliberately hurts the feelings of others.
They have minimal understanding of consequences to actions, and are likely to refuse obeying rules.
Children with ODD struggle to empathise with others, and so they would not hesitate to blame others for their own actions.
Conduct Disorder Conduct Disorder (CD) develops in children that have had ODD and now express themselves with frequent aggressive behaviours or inappropriate behaviours, such as cruelty to animals, vandalism, physical or sexual abuse, or pyromania.
They struggle to empathise with others to such an extent that it does not concern them to hurt or lie to others.
They are often drawn to use weapons, start fights with others or use drugs at an early age.
They don't have a strong attachment to parents, and frequently try to run away from home.
ODD and CD are diagnosed by children's psychologists, pediatricians (who specialise in behaviours) and child psychiatrists.
A child's behaviours can show some of the same characteristics as ODD or CD but be due to completely different reasons.
For example, intolerance to certain foods can cause irritability.
It is important that if there are any concerns, the parent gets support quickly so they child doesn't miss out on key developmental milestones.