Before I begin I want to explain that YES I know some of you are going to find this series a little tough to get your head around as you think you’re settled, but then another part of the spectrum rears its head.
Well, today I want to talk about something very new to me so please bare with me I have done a ton of research and hopefully my notes I have in my book beside me will make some sense.
Before I begin ODD id not odd. It is an acronym for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. ODD usually rears its head around the teens or “terrible twos”
OK Let me break this post down for you. I will give you a brief overview of ODD, Causes, Symptoms, and how it is diagnosed. So without any further ramblings lets begin.
What Is ODD?
ODD is a condition in which a child displays an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, hostile, and annoying behavior toward people in authority. The child’s behavior often disrupts the child’s normal daily activities, including activities within the family and at school.
Thats the easiest way I can find to describe it. Trust me its pretty hard to find a good way of describing it.
Symptoms
- Repeated tantrums
- Excessively arguing
- Actively refusing to comply with requests and rules
- Deliberately trying to annoy or upset others, or being easily annoyed by others
- Blaming others for your mistakes
- frequent outbursts of anger and resentment
- Being spiteful and seeking revenge
- Using obscene language
- Saying mean and hateful things when upset
Causes
The way I remember the causes is BEG (Biological Environmental Genetic)
Biological.
There are certain areas of the brain which can lead to serious behavioral problems, Ok heres where I try to get technical so bare with it. ODD has been linked to the neurotransmitters in the brain. (A neurotransmitter is a chemical in the brain that helps it communicate properly) Now if these neurotransmitters do not work correctly, messages can be misread or completely missed which lead to the symptoms of ODD. Now Usually ODD is accompanied by other conditions,
Environmental
Before I write this don’t be thinking I am saying this about your family because I am not, I do not live in your house I do not walk in your shoes this is what I have read and gleaned from my research. ODD “could” be caused by dysfunctional family life, family history of mental illness and or substance use and inconsistent discipline.
Now that the awkward one is out of the way. Man did i feel bad writing that! I can tell you about the genetic factors. These include family history of mental illness such as anxiety and personality disorders, There are hints that it can be inherited.
Finally how to diagnose ODD.
Diagnosis
Adults and children with mental health issues are based on the signs and symptoms present. There are no labratory tests to conclusively diagnose ODD so what do you do? You look at the relating conditions that occur alongside it.
If a doctor cannot find any physical cause, he SHOULD and will refer you to a psychologist who will use special methods to evaluate your mental wellbeing. The doctor will base their report on observations by themselves, parents and people who interact with you daily for long periods of time. These observations take in attitude and behavior. Often the doctors must rely on the reports from those closest to you as people with ODD often have trouble trying to explain their symptoms.
Phew That was a lot to take in. Whilst I let you digest that. I have only scratched the surface of ODD. If you or someone you know is worried about ODD I would advise you speak to your GP.
Next week is a difficult write its going to be an emotional rollercoaster. Yes I am talking depression. Let me know your stories below 🙂
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