Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children and Adults

Parents, caretakers, siblings, and teachers might see children as young as two and as old as 18 display consistent patterns of anger, irritability, combativeness, and spitefulness toward them. This vindictiveness toward authority figures can destroy daily household and school routines. Related disruptive behavior can even extend into extracurricular activities. But how do these caretakers know whether these patterns indicate a strong will or something more serious, like oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)? 

Symptoms of ODD in Children

If you suspect your child or dependant has ODD, look for the following:

• Explosive temper tantrums or routine angry/resentful outbursts
• Purposefully trying to upset or irritate others—or becoming easily angered by others
• Using obscene language or swearing when speaking to authority figures
• Habitually saying cruel things to others when throwing a tantrum or when annoyed by others 
• Excessive refusal to obey requests or rules and frequent arguing with adults or others in charge
• Seeking revenge, acting spitefully, or showing vindictiveness at least two times over the course of six months

Your child or student may also tend to blame others for their mistakes or refuse to take accountability for their poor decisions or actions. ODD, which tends to manifest around age 8,  also makes children easily frustrated or moody and can cause low self-esteem.

Overall, if your child seems openly and consistently hostile, defiant, and uncooperative with authority figures and adults, they could have ODD. If you suspect this may be the case for a child you know, Miramont Behavioral Health Center is here to help. 

With two locations in Waukesha and Middleton, we specialize in treating adolescents 12-17 and adults with ODD. We also have an expert staff that can tailor treatment to young people and families dealing with comorbidity—or the presence of multiple mood disorders, substance abuse, or mental health disorders at the same time. 

How ODD Affects Adulthood

ODD is most commonly seen in children, and the most disruptive symptoms tend to fade away by the time children reach 18. However, it’s possible to see symptoms of ODD linger in adults who experienced the disorder as children. Sometimes environmental factors, like familial instability or poverty, can exacerbate and prolong ODD symptoms past the teen years. 

ODD should be taken seriously when it manifests in children as there are risks associated with the disorder that can negatively impact adulthood

• According to one study, almost all kids diagnosed with ODD will later receive a mental health or mood disorder diagnosis (anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder) during their lifetime
• The majority of children with ODD struggle with emotional problems in adulthood, with an increased likelihood of suicide or suicidal ideation
• Kids with ODD are more likely to abuse substances and develop addiction as they get older

It’s possible that without early ODD intervention in childhood, the development of a conduct disorder, compromised academic performance, or criminal behavior could be more likely in adulthood. 

What Causes ODD, and Is There a Cure?

Scientists think that ODD may be influenced by genetic, biological, and environmental factors. There also seems to be a strong link between the presence of ADHD, learning disabilities, depression, and anxiety in children and the likelihood that they develop ODD. 

At the same time, ODD can develop in children who experience trauma or who have family members with mental health conditions. Keep in mind that ODD exists at the complex intersection of biology and environment, with no one cause.  

A tidy one-size-fits-all cure for ODD doesn’t exist, but several interventions can help:

• Parent management training (PMT)
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT))
• School-based interventions

Manage ODD With Miramont BH in Wisconsin 

Comprehensive inpatient care, flexible outpatient programs to fit your family’s schedule, and personalized treatment plans tailored to your child’s specific needs are all available in Middleton and our outpatient center in Waukesha. We can also shift these approaches to help adults with lingering symptoms of ODD. 

Dealing with oppositional defiant disorder in yourself, your child, or your teen can be challenging, but you’re not alone. We’re making it easier for you to access family-focused approaches to help you manage ODD symptoms. Miramont Behavioral Health is here to support families like yours today.