Symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) include regular temper tantrums, excessive arguments with adults, and uncooperative, deliberately annoying, or mean and spiteful behavior. If you recognize these extreme symptoms in your child, consider seeking a diagnosis and behavioral parent training.
- Loses temper
- Argues with adults
- Actively defies or refuses to comply with adults’ requests or rules
- Deliberately annoys people
- Blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior
- Easily annoyed by others
- Angry and resentful
- Spiteful or vindictive
At school:
- Your child was sent to the principal’s office (again) for shoving a classmate.
- The teacher complains that he is throwing things in class again.
- The teacher notes that your child is baiting classmates, picking fights with them by purposely doing things he knows annoy them.
- When given detention for acting out, your child has an explosion so extreme she is sent home for the day.
- A reminder to pick up paintbrushes after art class triggered aggression with the art teacher.