Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Anna Dowling, M.D., Matthew Burkey, M.D., Carisa Perry-Parrish, Ph.D.

DEFINITION

  • Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a common clinical problem among children and adolescents characterized by a pattern of negativistic, disruptive, and hostile behaviors toward others, including authority figures.
  • Oppositional defiant disorder is classified under the Disruptive, Impulse-Control, and Conduct Disorders section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5)[1].
    • Key features in DSM-5 are angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, and/or vindictiveness[1].

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.

Last updated: September 14, 2025