The Analysis of the Oppositional Defiant Disorder - Term Paper Example

ODD simply refers to the ranger-guided disobedience observed by the children, in which the child(ren) suffering from such a disorder refuse to submit to the instructions and commands made by their parents, guardians, elders and teachers. On the contrary, they aptly display hostility and non-compliance to the instructions made by the elders (Valle et al., 2001:37).

Hence, the disorder simply refers to the stubborn and obstinate behaviour observed by the adolescents, where they stick to the point of their choice that has occupied their mind, without demonstrating any flexibility in their behaviour altogether according to the advice made by the parents. The researchers recommend several reasons behind the ODD. The domains including genetics, neuroanatomy, and neurochemistry are interrelated ones in respect of developing this disorder in young children (Burke et al.

, 2002:1276). Consequently, inherited characteristics play a vital role in respect of developing this disorder among children. Overt-covert behaviour also uncovers different factors associated with the disorder. As a result, the sleep disorder, parents’ displaying aggressive behaviour, and lack of appropriate food necessary for the growth and development of infants and older children may also develop ODD among the adolescents (Frick et al., 1993:321). Moreover, irritating the small children, according to Erikson, and refusing to fulfil their needs increase the lack of confidence in them, and subsequently invite their anger because of the lack of trust the elders demonstrate towards him (Faris & McCarroll, 2010:15).

Similarly, getting the victim of child abuse in an early period of life, in the form of mental, physical or sexual tortures at the hands of the adults may also develop ODD among the adolescents (Ollendorff, 1974:40). The researchers suggest that the children belonging to the age group from 1 to 3 years undergo the above-mentioned disorder, which may go a long way for the future years to come. Since adolescence is the era when the personality of the children start growing along with their cognitive development by learning from the social, physical and natural phenomenon existing all around them (Liebert & Spiegler, 1990:31); and if the children become the victim of ODD at such a young age, their leading a normal life may become a dream for the future years to come.

The oppositional defiant disorder can be traced among the children in the presence of one or more symptoms, which include the children’s losing temper on petty matters and trivial issues; making unnecessary arguments with parents and elders, willfully hitting the things in order to force the adults to submit to their demands, deliberate breaking and defying the rules and principles, behaving in such a manner that could invite displeasure of the elders, remaining angry and annoyed all time, and others (Dengate, 2013:4).

In other words, the child suffering from such a disorder turns out to be extremely aggressive and demanding, where non-compliance with any of his demands may invite his anger and resentment subsequently. One of the most startling aspects of the disorder is that it may lead the children towards conduct disorder (CD) in growing adults. It is, therefore, the treatment of the disorder is imperatively recommended by the psychologists, so that the children could be rescued from observing mental disorders for the future years to come (Frick et al.

, 1993:327). Since the abnormal behaviour of children is particularly frustrating for the parents, they look for the complete treatment of their children, so that they could be in a position of leading a normal life without behaving in an abnormal and aggressive way. As a result, the psychologists also recommend various treatments for the complete convalescence of the patients from this disorder. One of the most significant methods to be applied in respect of the treatment of the children undergoing ODD includes finding out all the causes associated with such a personality disorder (Butcher et al., 2009). Since a large majority of the children demonstrating ODD feel it difficult to express their feelings in a normal way.

However, helping the children to express their emotions and feelings in an appropriate manner may turn out to be supportive with respect to exhibiting the same in verbal form rather than violent acts and anger. Furthermore, the children undergoing such a situation must be cared for enough by changing their mood from aggression to normalcy by partially submitting to their demands, or turning their minds to something similar or relevant to the one they seek. Moreover, the parents must make arrangements for the conducting of anger management therapy for the child experiencing oppositional defiant disorder under the supervision of professional therapists, so that the probabilities of turning ODD into conduct disorder could be mitigated during the early years of childhood (Butcher et al., 2009).