Is this Normal Behavior or Oppositional Defiance Disorder?

Does your child often argue with you or refuse to do something you ask of them? Are they easily frustrated with simple tasks or have temper tantrums? If they do, you are not alone. This blog is to discuss the difference between normal mental and behavior development in children and a disorder called Opposition Defiance Disorder (ODD).

ODD is a common behavioral disorder diagnosed in children with about 2%-11% meeting criteria for the diagnosis (Cleveland Clinic, 2025). While it is normal for all children, especially toddlers and tweens/teens, to test the waters and question authority from time to time, when these behaviors start to disrupt day to day functioning, relationships, family activities, and/or academia, it is recommended to talk to your healthcare provider about further prevention and treatment options. If left untreated in childhood, ODD may lead to a more serious condition in adulthood called conduct disorder.

Symptoms for ODD must be present for a minimum of six months, typically begin by the age of 8, and include but are not limited to arguing with adults and peers, blaming others for their own actions, lying, stealing, deliberately destroying property, purposefully being hurtful verbally and/or physically to people and/or animals, and defying rules. Mild, moderate, and severe ODD are classified by the number of settings the symptoms occur in. For example, symptoms of ODD that are exhibited only at home but not at school would be labeled “mild”.

The primary therapeutics for ODD include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, parent management training, and family therapy, in addition to school-based therapy for students. Medication is not commonly prescribed for ODD unless another medical diagnosis is a contributing factor of ODD symptoms. If you feel your child may be suffering from ODD, pediatric mental and behavioral specialists can discuss a personalized treatment plan and equip you and your child with the necessary strategies to minimize and manage manifestations.

Reference: Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). (2025, June 2). Cleveland Clinic.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9905-oppositional-defiant-disorder