Seminar paper from the year 2010 in the subject Psychology - Clinic and
Health Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, ( Atlantic International
University ), language: English, abstract: It may be accepted that at
some point in a child's life, they will display oppositional and defiant
behaviour (Riley, 1997). When do the occasional rule-breaking, the
sulking and whining, and the fits and tantrums become a cause for
concern? In the course of this paper I will seek to clearly define the
characteristics of oppositional defiant disorder and its more severe
cousin, conduct disorder. I will expound on the areas of symptoms,
causes and co-morbidity, and delve into the appropriate treatment and
potential for rehabilitation of a child or teenager who may be suffering
with either of these disorders. 2. Definitions Oppositional defiant
disorder (ODD) can be characterized by a hostile, negative and
argumentative behaviour pattern (Sue, Sue & Sue, 1997). It is common
place for these children to lose their temper and argue with adults,
refusing their requests. A child who is suffering with ODD will refuse
to take responsibility for his actions and his behaviour is an
"exaggerated attempt" to show the parent or authority figure that they
have no control over him (Riley, 1997). Rutherford and Nickerson (2010)
believe that defiant behaviour among children and teenagers is becoming
more prevalent. Conduct disorder (CD) can be characterized by repetitive
and persistent social behaviour that violates the rights of others, or
violates norms and rules that are appropriate for their age (McIntosh &
Livingston, 2008). Conduct disorder includes behaviour such as bullying,
lying, cheating, fighting, destruction of property, arson, assault,
rape, truancy and cruelty to animals and people (Sue et al., 1997). It
is quite evident that conduct disorder is a more severe behavioural
condition than oppositional defiant disorder. If the characteristics of
both disorders mentioned here seem rat
