What Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder And Could My Child Have It?

Criteria For An ODD Diagnosis

A medical professional cannot diagnose a child with oppositional defiant disorder without first proving a child has a pattern of behavior meeting the specific requirements set out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The first requirement for an accurate diagnosis is the patient must exhibit a minimum of four symptoms from one of the three categories of symptoms. As discussed, these are angry and irritable mood; argumentative and defiant behavior; and vindictiveness. Other DSM-5 requirements include: the symptoms must occur with at least one person not a sibling to the patient; cause issues at home, school, or work; occur on their own rather than as part of another mental illness such as bipolar disorder; and last for a minimum of six months before diagnosis.

Continue reading for more information on obtaining an accurate ODD diagnosis in children.