Oppositional Defiant Disorder Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Oppositional Defiant Disorder - Term Paper Example The condition commonly affects individuals during childhood. The concern of the medical authorities regarding ODD can be attributed the high percentage of children diagnosed with the condition. In fact, it is considered as the most commonly diagnosed mental health condition in children (Hamilton and Armando, 2008, p.861). Based on the studies conducted in the community level approximately 3 percent of children have ODD with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM-IV) description as the sole basis. When other parameters and criteria were considered the prevalence ranges from 1 to 16 percent (Hamilton and Armando, 2008, p.861). The paper is aimed to define and to discuss ODD and the different pertinent concepts related to the condition such as the symptoms, risks, management methods, treatments, and related researches and studies. The said objective of the paper can be achieved through the data gathering from significant academic and medical references, e.g. journals. In addition, the main focus of the process is the educational perspective which is either to educate the public or to present the methods of educating the individuals with ODD. Definition of ODD Oppositional defiant disorder, ODD, is officially defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. ... chool years but due to other developmentally troublesome behavior that can also be observed, the method of diagnosis is based on more than one symptom or criterion (Hamilton and Armando, 2008, p.861). Upon the determination of the meaning of ODD, the methods of diagnosis and the symptoms are needed to be given attention to achieve better understanding of the disorder. It is also important to focus on the methods of treatments and management of ODD since it is known as a subset and a precursor to a more serious condition referred to as conduct disorder (Chakraburtty, 2009). Recorded data show that one third of the children diagnosed with ODD will develop into conduct disorder while 40 percent will lead to antisocial personality disorder during adult years (Hamilton and Armando, 2008, p.863). The oppositional behavior of the children of the children ranges from passive to active forms of non-compliance. Ignoring the direction given by adults such as parents and teachers is an example o f passive ODD. Active non-compliant behavior ranges from mild refusal to angry rejection of parents or elders commands and guidance (Matthys and Lochman, 2010, p.1). There are levels of opposition from children and adolescents which can be considered normal for their age. Thus, the determination of the levels of oppositional behavior considered abnormal is needed to be given attention for the early diagnosis and treatment of the problematic child. Methods of Diagnosis of ODD There are eight standard symptoms included in the description of ODD as the bases for diagnosis. Four of the eight symptoms of the condition should be present for an individual to be considered to possess ODD. The standard symptoms include: â€Å"lost of temper; argument with adults; defying adults’ requests and/or rules