Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Introduction

Oppositional defiant disorder is a behavioral problem in childhood characterized by perpetual hostility and disobedience. The condition affects all children, even the well behaved children may be rebellious and hostile. The disorder most frequently affects children under the age of twelve years. According to Essau, one in ten children under the age of twelve years are believed to have the oppositional defiant disorder. Similarly, Essau explains that boys are more prone to the disorder than girls.

The behavioral disorder originates from the group of disorders regarded as disruptive behavior disorders. It mainly involve attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder. Affected children often show up signs of tantrums, anger and frequent arguing. If the disorder remains untreated, the child may grow antisocial and difficult to hard to handle adult. Therefore, doctors, children development and counselors have advised parents to adopt early intervention to manage the disorders.

Unattended oppositional defiant disorder may have adverse impacts in career prospects, relationships and quality of life. On other instances, untreated oppositional defiant disorder may develop to more serious life events in children, such as violent behaviors and aggressive law breaking habits.

In most instances, the disorder affects primary or lower class children between the age of three and twelve years. Most of the characteristics evident in children with the disorder are easily detected due to irritation, annoyed and anger. Children also have a low self-esteem that is linked with a low frustration threshold. Children may also have a habit of blaming other people for their mistakes therefore refusing to follow or obey rules as the blame others for all mistakes. At the age of twelve years. Children may have frequent temper emotions that break their relationship with adults. High level of hostility, defiance and extreme negativity may also be evident in children suffering from the disorder.

Child psychiatrist or psychologist are the best personnel in diagnosing oppositional defiant disorder in children. Diagnosis of the disorder may be achieve through interviewing the affected child, cross checking child behavior with the already known oppositional defiant disorder symptoms and interviewing parents and teachers of the suspected child.

Early intervention and management of oppositional defiant disorder may help safe the adult life of the affected child. Treatment may be achieved through conducting family therapy and training parents on management and modes of interacting with the affected child. Parents should be trained to adopt good child raising behavior techniques that discourage bad behavior and encourage good conduct.

In conclusion, early management of the disorder may help the affected children manage stressful life scenarios and bar bad behavior symptoms. Lastly, treatment of the disorder through therapy may help the child adopt rewarding life sphere and have a happy life.