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Oppositional Defiant Disorder Research Paper

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Oppositional Defiant Disorder By Jonas Wilson, Ing. Med. Even the most well-behaved children may be oppositional at some point in time. Oppositional behavior may be seen particularly when young children are stressed, upset, hungry or tired. This is considered a normal part of development in children between the ages of 2 – 3 years old and in the early adolescent period. However, it becomes abnormal when it is characterized by persistently disobedient, defiant and hostile behavior towards parents and other figures of authority. There is an array of negative behaviors associated with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). These include poor temperament, argumentative and vindictive attitudes. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition or …show more content…

When ADHD and ODD occur together, these children tend to be more aggressive and less inclined academically. Other conditions that may coexist with ODD include anxiety and learning disorders as well as language and learning difficulties. Mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder and depression, may also be seen accompanying ODD. There is research that suggests behavioral patterns seen with ODD are developed in children with mood/ anxiety disorders as a means of coping. There are studies that indicate that ODD may serve as the precursor to conduct disorders. These are more serious than ODD and often times result in behavior that is antisocial and destructive. In addition to this, ODD patients with other mental health comorbidities are at a particularly increased risk of developing conduct disorders. Affected children and adolescents are at a very high risk of developing mood or other personality disorders later on in their lives. Sources •

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