Behavior patterns distinguished by anger, aggression, violence, and rebelliousness may be signs that Oppositional Defiant Disorder has developed in your teenager. This type of disorder can prove to be destructive to your teen’s school and home environments. It particularly targets those with authority in a child’s life. But the behavior patterns must last for at least half of a year and be distinctly defiant in comparison with “normal” adolescent mischief. The disorder occurs more frequently in teenage boys than girls.

Teenagers struggling with this disorder may frequently believe that they have all the right to feel such anger. They may turn to their parents or school authorities and accuse them of being unfair or harsh. This is particularly the way they justify their violent behavior. Set guidelines at home may be ignored as the teenager challenges authority.

The characteristics of Oppositional Defiance Disorder may start to appear from 7-13 years of age. Usually, the home is where your teen may begin to exhibit rebellious behavior. Try not to blame yourself if you become a witness to behavior of this nature. Instead, go on to observe if his defiant behavior will exhibit in school as well.

If your teen’s behavior goes on at school, teachers may contact you about it. Even your child’s friends may keep a distance as his hostility becomes a problem for them as well. Isolation will follow this. Showing disrespect for authority at school, acting out in class, and hostility towards other peers are definite signs of this particular disorder.
 

Behavior modification plays a vital role when your child is faced with Oppositional Defiance Disorder and you choose to intervene. Choosing not to, may be the start of your teen’s downfall in both the school and home environments, and eventually may even affect their achievement in a future work environment. One-on-one psychotherapy has proven to be beneficial in the treatment of the disorder. When the disorder simultaneously arises with other disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Depression, medication may also be considered.

 

 

Descriptions of a Teen with an Oppositional Defiance Disorder Behavioral Pattern