Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) involves a recurrent pattern of angry, defiant, and vindictive behavior toward authority figures. Etiology includes genetic predisposition, family dysfunction, environmental stressors, and temperamental factors. Clinically, patients exhibit frequent temper tantrums, argumentativeness, refusal to comply, and deliberate annoyance of others. Diagnosis is clinical, based on DSM-5 criteria, requiring functional impairment and persistent behavior over at least six months. Management includes behavioral therapy, parent training, and family interventions; pharmacotherapy is used for comorbid conditions.