Oppositional defiant disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is characterized by contentious interpersonal behaviors and an irritable disposition. ODD typically has an onset in childhood and is often persistent through adolescence and into adulthood. ODD includes distinct symptom dimensions of chronic irritability and oppositional behavior; these differentially explain comorbidities with depression and anxiety or with externalizing behavioral disorders respectively. ODD creates impairments in interactions with family members, peers, teachers and colleagues in work environments, and predicts school dropout and increased risk for suicidality. Evidence-based treatments are available for children, but additional work is needed to validate interventions for ODD in late adolescence and adulthood.