Can ODD Symptoms Be a Sign of More Serious Mental Health Issues?

It's normal for children to be irritable and angry at times as well as argumentative and defiant, especially at certain ages like the "terrible twos" and early teen years. 

However, when this behavior occurs frequently, for a prolonged period, and at an extreme level, it could be a sign of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), another more serious mental health issue, or a combination of the two.

At Lewis Family Psychiatry, based in Wellington, Florida, our highly qualified staff of psychiatric nurse practitioners provide outstanding, customized care for children, teens, and adults struggling with oppositional defiant disorder and other mental, emotional, and behavioral health problems. 

We take a whole-person approach and consider symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment carefully. In addition, getting necessary treatment has never been easier or more convenient thanks to our telemedicine platform.

Oppositional defiant disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder affects 2%-16% of children and teens and typically begins by the age of eight. Among younger children, ODD is more common in boys with the numbers equaling out by the teen years. ODD behaviors can continue into adulthood, especially if the condition hasn’t been diagnosed and treated.

Symptoms

Symptoms typically include outbursts of anger, resentment, and loss of temper as well as getting annoyed easily and annoying or upsetting others on purpose. People with ODD may argue excessively, refuse to follow rules, and blame others for their mistakes. 

Additional behaviors could be seeking revenge, being spiteful, and saying mean or hateful things. Acting out by children and teens can often disrupt daily routines at home and school.

Association with more serious issues

More than half of young people with ODD have one or more other mental health issues. Even if a child hasn’t been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, their symptoms may indicate another mental or behavioral challenge.

Possible more serious mental health issues include attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders. 

Therefore, an evaluation by a mental health professional to get to the root of the issue and put a personalized treatment plan in place is critical for the best possible outcome.

Causes

While the specific cause of ODD isn't known, it can be the result of a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. If certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters aren't allowing the nerve cells in the brain to communicate correctly, messages may not transmit normally, leading to ODD and/or other mental illnesses.

Family history also likely plays a role, and those individuals with relatives who have mood, anxiety, or personality disorders may have oppositional defiant disorder symptoms that are more likely to lead to a serious mental health issue.

General temperament, a dysfunctional family life, and rewarding attention from peers for poor behavior can also contribute.

Any child, teen, or adult experiencing symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder should seek help for a correct diagnosis whether it be ODD or another serious mental health issue. 

Regardless of the problem, we bring expertise and experience to our thorough and caring treatment. Click our contact button or call us at 561-303-0433 today for a virtual appointment.

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