Oppositional Defiant Disorder Testing
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is one of a group of behavioral disorders called disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). These disorders are called this because children who have these disorders tend to disrupt those around them. ODD is one of the more common mental health disorders found in children and adolescents. Physicians define ODD as a pattern of disobedient, hostile, and defiant behavior directed toward authority figures. Children and adolescents with ODD often rebel, are stubborn, argue with adults, and refuse to obey. They have angry outbursts and have a hard time controlling their temper. Even the best-behaved children can be uncooperative and hostile at times, particularly adolescents, but those with ODD show a constant pattern of angry and verbally aggressive behaviors, usually aimed at parents and other authority figures. The most common behaviors that children and adolescents with ODD show are: • Defiance • Spitefulness • Negativity • Hostility and verbal aggression
Combination of Tools
While there is no single test that can diagnose ODD, it is possible to combine information, experience , and expertise to reach an accurate diagnosis. The practitioner will first gather information from the parents, asking a series of questions, aimed at determining the presence of symptoms across people and places. Wherever possible, we will also interview the child's main teacher in order to gather important information from the school setting. The final component is direct observation and interaction with your child. This can be done at the clinic or at the home or school of the child if need be. When all of the information and data is collected the practitioner then creates a diagnostic result which they review in detail with the parents.