Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

PSY 450

March 10, 2014

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is defined as a disruptive behavior disorder including erratically negative, hostile, and defiant behavior (Hansell & Damour, 2008). Often characterized by hostility as well as defiance it is currently one of the leading causes in childhood behavior disorders (Harvey, Metcalf, Herbert, & Fanton, 2011). Other disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) have been closely linked to ODD such as conduct disorder (CD) as well as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Typically individuals diagnosed with ODD are short-tempered and annoying it is this aggressive behavior which is abnormal. The relationship between ODD and human development will be discussed within this paper as well as how this abnormal behavior affects the individuals socialization. Environmental such as parenting and peer group characteristics also play a role in the process of the behavior. Furthermore, the role of neurobiology in three mental domains will be explored.

Role of Family

ODD is thought to progress when family issues overlap with a problematic child’s developing behaviors in their youth (Harvey et al., 2011). Specifically with very young children around the age of 3 with behavioral difficulties who were subjected to intense nurturing practices, marital conflict, and maternal unhappiness where not as likely to improve in his or her behavior and tended to have more symptoms of ODD at 6 years of age (Harvey et al., 2011). ADHD is believed to have a impact in the development of ODD given the strong genetic factors involved in ADHD, and may be a genetic marker and have great significance in leading to the development of ODD. The family environment, as well as genetics, also contributes to the development of both DBD’s, but has also shown that prompt family involvement and intervention in behavior modification with young children at risk is very valuable....