Oppositional Defiant Disorder

All children are oppositional from time to time, particularly when tired, hungry, stressed or upset. They may argue, talk back, disobey, and defy parents, teachers, and other adults. Oppositional behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents. However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child's social, family, and academic life.

In children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), there is an ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster's day to day functioning. Symptoms of ODD may include:

  • frequent temper tantrums
  • excessive arguing with adults
  • active defiance and refusal to comply with adult requests and rules
  • deliberate attempts to annoy or upset people
  • blaming others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
  • often being touchy or easily annoyed by others
  • frequent anger and resentment
  • mean and hateful talking when upset
  • seeking revenge

The symptoms are usually seen in multiple settings, but may be more noticeable at home or at school. More...

RESOURCES

ORGANIZATIONS
Local

  • H.E.A.R.T.S Connection
     Meetings are held monthly throughout Kern County for family members and friends. Meetings provide information on organizations and services and opportunities to meet other families to share joys, challenges and information. For more information, please call 661.328.9055.
  • Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic
    The Henrietta Weill Memorial Child Guidance Clinic provides the services and resources necessary to prevent and treat emotional and behavioral problems for Kern County children and their families. For more information or to make an initial appointment, please call the Child Guidance Clinic at 661.322.1021, Bakersfield or 661.725.1042, Delano.
  • Kern County Department of Mental Health
     The mission of Kern County Mental Health System of Care is to provide the most effective, culturally appropriate, highest quality combination of treatment and support to persons with mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, and/or addiction. For more information, please call 1.800.991.5272


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