We have recently posted two blog posts on this subject:
Stop Calling Children “Defiant”
We have included the DSM-V criteria for an ODD diagnosis below for further information.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder is not a valid diagnosis approximately 99%* of the time
I will explain how my research and experience combined have taught me that Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is not a valid diagnosis approximately 99%* of the time.
*Please note: 99% is an entirely made-up statistic based on my opinion, however I will provide evidence to explain how and why I have formed this opinion.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Also known as one stressed out kid lacking coping skills.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines ODD as a recurrent pattern of negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behaviour towards authority figures (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
The DSM-V diagnostic criteria for ODD requires a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness lasting at least 6 months as evidenced by at least four symptoms of the following categories, and exhibited during interaction with at least one individual who is not a sibling.
Angry/Irritable Mood
- Often loses temper.
- Is often touchy or easily annoyed.
- Is often angry and resentful.
Argumentative/Defiant Behavior
- Often argues with authority figures or, for children and adolescents, with adults.
- Often actively defies or refuses to comply with requests from authority figures or with rules.
- Often deliberately annoys others.
- Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior.
Vindictiveness
- Has been spiteful or vindictive at least twice within the past 6 months.
(American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
References
Aggarwal, A. & Marwaha, R. (2020). Oppositional Defiant Disorder. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557443].
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). [https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596].
Barkley, R. A. (Ed.). (2015). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment (4th ed.). The Guilford Press.
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