One theory is that Oppositional Defiant Disorder comes from incomplete behavioral development. For reasons unknown, these children do not master the developmental tasks that their peers accomplish as small children. ODD children get stuck in the 2-4 year old defiant stage. For some reason these children just don't grow out of it.

The second theory suggests that Oppositional Defiant Disorder is caused as a result of the negative interactions that these children have while growing up. It is their interactions with adults that bring out their oppositional defiant behavior.

There are physical, psychological, and social factors that are connected with the occurrence of ODD. Genetics seems to play a part. There are indications that being oppositional is a strongly inherited characteristic. Also, women who smoke during pregnancy and pregnant women who drink alcohol excessively have children with ODD more commonly.

Children who live in an abusive home more commonly have ODD. Homes where there is drug or alcohol abuse, poverty or lots of violence tend to foster the development of defiant children. Other psychological and social risk factors include living in an unstable home environment or being raised by a single parent.

Complicating Conditions

Oppositional Defiant Disorder almost never comes alone.

• 50-65% of ODD children also have ADHD

• 35% of these children will eventually have an affective disorder

• 20% develop some kind of mood disorder, such as Bipolar Disorder

• 15% eventually have some type of personality disorder

• A large number of ODD children have a co-existing learning disorder

Any child who is suspected of having Oppositional Defiant Disorder needs to be evaluated for other disorders as well. It is imperative to uncover the co-existing problems. Addressing these other conditions is one of the keys to treating Oppositional Defiant Disorder.

Get help with your ODD child or ODD teenager.