While there is no finitely known cause of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, there are many patterns across diagnoses that have been known to attribute to its development. One of the primary theories behind ODD suggests that the onset of the condition happens early on in a child's life around the ages of 2 or 3. The basis for these theories is focused on the belief that theses children have an especially hard time learning to become autonomous. In other words, they have difficulty viewing themselves as a detached, and independent entity from their primary caregiver or parent.
Because of this difficulty with emotional detachment, researchers believe that the attitudes attributed to ODD are extensions of typical developmental issues which were not sufficiently resolved during these crucial years of development. However, many theorists also support the notion that the negative behaviors that coincide an ODD diagnosis are learned attitudes, meaning that negative reinforcement methods utilized by figures of authority throughout a child's development have a significant effect on the onset of the condition. This negative reinforcement, especially by a child's parents, is consistently shown to increase the rate and severity at which a child exhibits oppositional behavior. Their primary reason for doing so? Studies suggest an underlying theme of these children's desire for time, attention, and affirmative interaction by parents and authority figures alike.
Signs of oppositional defiant disorder may include:
~frequent outbursts or tantrums
~engaging in arguments with adults on an overly regular basis
~persistance in refusing adult requests
~frequent challenging or refusal to follow rules or adult requests
~deliberate intention to upset, or engage in confrontation with adults and peers
~Blaming other for defiant behavior or mistakes (refusal to take responsibility to for careless actions)
~Highly irritable, especially toward figures of authority
~frequent negative or pessimistic attitude
~quick to anger
~harsh in words and delivery, openly offensive
~malicious, or frequently revengeful
*These behaviors are indicative of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, but are in no means an official diagnosis. Some may even resemble various other behavior conditions. Remember to always consult your family's physician before making a conclusive diagnosis.
~MacKenzie, E. P. (2007). Improving Treatment Outcome for Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Young Children. Journal Of Early And Intensive Behavior Intervention, 4(2), 500-510.
~McKinney, C., & Renk, K. (2007). Emerging Research and Theory in the Etiology of Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Current Concerns and Future Directions. International Journal Of Behavioral Consultation And Therapy, 3(3), 349-371.
