Oppositional defiant disorder is a controversial psychiatric category listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders where it is described as an ongoing pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior toward authority figures which goes beyond the bounds of normal childhood behavior.

Physicians and other health professionals rely on: Their clinical judgment and experience; Information gathered from parents and teachers, who may fill out questionnaires; Information gained from interviewing the child.

The treatment for oppositional defiant disorder involves your primary care doctor and a qualified mental health professional or child development professional. It can also help to seek the services of a psychologist specializing in family therapy.

Oppositional defiant disorder if your child's oppositional behaviors: Are persistent, Have lasted at least six months, Are clearly disruptive to the family and home or school environment While the following are behaviors associated with ODD: Negativity, Defiance, Disobedience, Hostility directed toward authority figures.

There's no clear cause underpinning oppositional defiant disorder. Contributing causes may include: The child's inherent temperament; The family's response to the child's style; A genetic component that when coupled with certain environmental conditions such as lack of supervision, poor quality child care or family instability increases the risk of ODD; A biochemical or neurological factor; The child's perception that he or she isn't getting enough of the parent's time and attention.