Oppositional Difiance Disorder in Our Students

Many times in a classroom we as teachers come across students who seem to always be defiant, who seem to do things purposely to bother others, or seem to always blame others for his or her mistakes. Well those students may be showing sings of Oppositional Defiant Disorder or ODD. Oppositional defiant disorders along with conduct disorders are seen to be frequent psychiatric disorders among children. (Matthys, Vanderschuren, Schutterm Lochman, 2012, 235) Between 5 and 15 percent of school aged children have oppositional defiant disorder. It seems to be more common in boys then girls. It is also seen to me more common in urban than in rural areas. (Childrens Mental Health Ontatio, 2014)

“According to the Diagnositic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ODD is characterized by a pattern of negativistic hostile, and deviant behavior lasting at least six months, during which four (or more) of the following are present. The student (1) often loses his or her temper (2) often argues with adults (3) often actively defies or refuses to comply with adults' requests or rules (4) often deliberately annoys people (5) often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehaviors (6) is touchy or easily annoyed by others (7) is often angry and resentful (8) is often spiteful or vindictive.” (Smith, Bondy, 2007, 151)

The above characteristics need to be present for a minimum of 6 month and need to be occurring frequently. (Salend, Sylvestre, 2005, 32) Students who have ODD are likely to have increased issues with “substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, developing a mental disorder, and committing violent crimes.” (Smith, Bondy, 2007, 151) There are a variety of triggers or factors of oppositional defiant disorder. Some of them are geneti...

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...al Health Ontatio, 2014) With a percentage that high it is important to understand the challenges that a student with ODD deal with. Students with ODD show signs of refusal to do work, blaming others for there mistakes, losing their temper, easily frustrated or annoyed, cursing, low self esteem, enjoy annoying others, and seeking attention. (Salend, Sylvestre, 2005, 32) In order to work with students with ODD in the classroom it is important to remember to state rules, and review them, be consistent throughout the year, follow a schedule and give warnings of any changes to come, teach them skills that will help them succeed and build a relationship with the student. Always remember that students with ODD are dealing with many issues and that they need someone to help them, and if they do receive the help they are more then likely to overcome their defiant disorder.