Definition of Conduct Disorder (CD) & Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

 

CD and ODD may be diagnosed when a child is defiant, aggressive and anti-social to a greater extent than expected for their age. They often misread situations and have difficulty empathising with others and interpret others’ behaviour as aggressive which makes them responds with aggression.

 

ODD is less severe than conduct disorder, it is prevalent in around 2% of girls and 5% of boys. ODD is likely a combination of a child’s home environment and inherited factors. CD can either have an early onset (by the age of 10) or an adolescent onset (more common). It is four times more common in boys and the prevalence is approximately 6%.

 

 

Signs and Symptoms of ODD

 

The most common symptoms a child with ODD will display are:

• A strong will, disrespect and opposition to adults or people in authoritative positions

• Being defiant in almost any situation

• Temper tantrums disproportionate to the child’s age

• Argumentativeness, lying, anger, and resentment.

• Spite

 

Children with ODD have difficulty making then keeping friends as they purposely like to annoy people. Children with ODD often have, ADHD, depression and anxiety.

 

 

Treatment of ODD

 

ODD is not treated with medication but rather with talking therapy.

 

 

Signs and Symptoms of CD

 

There are many symptoms of CD below are a few:

• Bullying

• Cruelty to people and animals

• Stealing from people through aggression

• Forcing someone into sex

• Destruction of property such as fire

• Lying to others

• Running away from home

• Truancy from school

 

 

Treatment of CD

 

Treatment tends to be with talking therapy, including family therapy and medication for the depression, anti-depressants, aggression, anti-psychotics and ADHD, stimulants or non-stimulants, if these symptoms are present.