Il oppositional defiant disorder (PDD), influencing how the child relates to the world around him, can represent a significant challenge for parents and teachers. Here’s what you need to know.
Oppositional defiant disorder: symptoms
According to the diagnostic criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by persistent pattern of angry or irritable moodyes argumentative behavior, provocative o spirit of revengeas evidenced by at least 4 of the following recurring symptoms:
lose patience; being easily touchy or annoyed; being angry and resentful; arguing with authority figures; challenge requests or rules; deliberately annoying others; blaming others, not taking responsibility for one’s own mistakes or bad behavior; have been spiteful or vindictive at least twice in the last 6 months.
Oppositional defiant disorder: how can it be recognised?
As the DSM-5 specifies, the persistence and frequency of symptoms should exceed what is the norm for the individual based on age, gender and culture. Since, usually, the onset of PDO occurs in preschool age and rarely beyond early adolescence, it may be difficult to recognize the intensity of these behaviors, which must last for at least 6 months and be exhibited with at least one person who is not a brother. They can occur in different contexts, such as home and school, and should be severe enough to interfere with the individual’s social context or personal functioning.
PDO differs from conduct disorder in that its behaviors are typically less severe in nature, which do not include aggression towards people or animals, damage to property or theft. Oppositional defiant disorder also includes problems with emotional dysregulation, which do not fall under the definition of conduct disorder.
Possible causes and comorbidities
Although there is no single known cause for oppositional defiant disorder, there are risk factors, genetic, temperamental e environmental. Among the different elements that can increase the probability of manifesting PDO there are, for example, the lack of stability e di coherent educational models during childhood.
L’ADHD it is frequently comorbid with oppositional defiant disorder. Furthermore, children and adolescents with PDO have an increased risk of developing, in adulthood, antisocial behaviorsimpulse control problems, substance abuse, anxiety e depression.
Oppositional defiant disorder: treatment
Treatment of oppositional defiant disorder requires a multidisciplinary approach which may include the psychotherapy cognitive-behavioral and family therapy. Beyond mental health professionals and educators, it matters involve parents, so that they know the best strategies to help the child manage OPD. In the presence of other disorders, or to treat specific symptoms, medications may also be prescribed drugs.