Can ODD become Conduct Disorder
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Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is often considered a milder and less extreme version of conduct disorder. While the vast majority of those with conduct disorder had previously had ODD, few children with oppositional defiant disorder go on to have conduct disorder.
The main difference between ODD and conduct disorder is that those with ODD do not violate the rights of others, such as stealing and using violence, while conduct disorder does include these behaviors.
Children with ODD are extremely argumentative, disobedient, stubborn, negative and manipulative. ODD behavior has to persist for at least six months and must affect the child's everyday functioning in order to be diagnosed as ODD.
The anger and defiance of ODD is directed towards authority figures, usually parents and teachers. In general, punishments do not work for children with ODD, which is why so many parenting programs fail. ODD children would rather loose privileges and treats, than back down and obey. For this reason punishment and negative consequences, which is the basis of parenting programs for normal children, have little effect on ODD behavior. Thus, for an ODD child or teenager, it is the constant struggle with authority figures that sets the tone for a child's life and relationships.
Children with ODD are extremely argumentative, disobedient, stubborn, negative and manipulative. ODD behavior has to persist for at least six months and must affect the child's everyday functioning in order to be diagnosed as ODD.
The anger and defiance of ODD is directed towards authority figures, usually parents and teachers. In general, punishments do not work for children with ODD, which is why so many parenting programs fail. ODD children would rather loose privileges and treats, than back down and obey. For this reason punishment and negative consequences, which is the basis of parenting programs for normal children, have little effect on ODD behavior. Thus, for an ODD child or teenager, it is the constant struggle with authority figures that sets the tone for a child's life and relationships.
Children with conduct disorder also show defiance, but there is a basic difference. While like ODD children, conduct disorder children throw tantrums and disobey adults, that is where the similarity ends. Conduct disorder behavior is much more violent and aggressive towards humans and animals. Their extreme behavior is much more intense and includes infringing other people's rights by being destructive, stealing, and other criminal behavior. Children with conduct disorder show little remorse for their actions and even enjoy telling others of their exploits. They are also far more likely to become substance abusers, often starting this on at an early age.
Those children with conduct disorder who also have high IQ's are easier to treat in some ways, however they are also better at evading detection and more creative in acting out. Those with lower intelligence or with learning difficulties are much harder to treat. These children tend to have low self-esteem, making them be more impatient, careless, and accident-prone.
Very little research has been done to determine the causes of conduct disorder. However, both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Some related factors include family history of mood disorders, anti-social personality disorder, substance abuse, or harsh inconsistent parenting.
Those children with conduct disorder who also have high IQ's are easier to treat in some ways, however they are also better at evading detection and more creative in acting out. Those with lower intelligence or with learning difficulties are much harder to treat. These children tend to have low self-esteem, making them be more impatient, careless, and accident-prone.
Very little research has been done to determine the causes of conduct disorder. However, both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Some related factors include family history of mood disorders, anti-social personality disorder, substance abuse, or harsh inconsistent parenting.
Conduct disorder has a genetic component. For example, in one study identical twins were more likely to have conduct disorder than fraternal twins. Other studies have shown that an impaired frontal lobe and low serotonin levels may be causes of conduct disorder.
Diagnosing oppositional defiant disorder is hard. If the child shows the following behaviors frequently than would normally be expected, for a period of six months or more and their social, academic or occupational functioning is impaired because of this, then there's a good chance he has ODD.
Diagnosing oppositional defiant disorder is hard. If the child shows the following behaviors frequently than would normally be expected, for a period of six months or more and their social, academic or occupational functioning is impaired because of this, then there's a good chance he has ODD.
- Often loses temper
- Often argues with authority figures
- Often blatantly rebels against or rules
- Often purposely irritates people
- Often avoids taking the blame for his misbehavior, blaming others instead
- Is often touchy or easily irritated by others
- Is often angry and bitter
- Is often spiteful or vindictive
Diagnosing conduct disorder follows similar principals. To be diagnosed the child must have displayed at least 3 major symptoms in the last three months and at least one in the last six months and in a variety of settings. The behavior must show direct cause impairment to their social, academic and occupational functioning.
The following may also be diagnosed in adults if they do not fit the criteria for antisocial personality disorder.
Both ODD and conduct disorder commonly occur with other conditions, so children will need to be tested for other conditions. Both conditions are more common in boys than girls.
The following may also be diagnosed in adults if they do not fit the criteria for antisocial personality disorder.
- Aggression towards people/animals. This includes intimidation, physical assault either with or without a weapon and sexual assault.
- Destruction of property. Including fire starting.
- Deceitfulness/Theft. Including breaking and entering, shoplifting, forgery and lying to obtain goods or favors.
- Serious violation of rules appropriate to the age. Includes truancy, running away and staying out all night.
Both ODD and conduct disorder commonly occur with other conditions, so children will need to be tested for other conditions. Both conditions are more common in boys than girls.
Although most children with conduct disorder are initially diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, ODD does not usually turn into conduct disorder. This happens only in the minority of cases. Though ODD will usually not go away by itself, the is an excellent chance that you can end the behavioral problems if you take proper action. Such action includes enrolling in a program designed specifically to address ODD child behavior or ODD teen behavior.
You should avoid programs that do not specifically address ODD behavior, because as we discussed before, ODD children will react differently and general programs do not take this into consideration. Also, avoid programs that lump children and teens together, because there are very big differences in the way you need to handle these two age categories.
You should avoid programs that do not specifically address ODD behavior, because as we discussed before, ODD children will react differently and general programs do not take this into consideration. Also, avoid programs that lump children and teens together, because there are very big differences in the way you need to handle these two age categories.
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