ODD

Now seeing patients via telemedicine in Rockford, Chicago, Champaign, Peoria, Springfield, the Metro East, and across Illinois.

What is ODD?

ODD describes ongoing and frequent negative behaviors like arguing, angry outbursts, and irritability. It can cause problems in school, at work, and in interpersonal relationships. ODD is commonly diagnosed during childhood or the teenage years. Visit ClariPath Psychiatry if you or a loved one has signs of ODD. 

Which symptoms can ODD cause?

ODD is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Irritability
• Emotional outbursts
• Vindictiveness
• Seeking revenge
• Being spiteful
• Arguing
• Losing your temper easily 
• Mood swings
• Defiant behaviors
• Being hurtful toward others
• Getting easily annoyed by other people
• Resentfulness
• Anger
• Breaking rules or laws
• Intentionally saying hurtful things to others
• Blaming other people for one’s own mistakes
• Having few friends 
• Antisocial behavior
• Poor impulse control 

ODD often causes negative interactions with other people. Your or your child’s symptoms might be mild, moderate, or severe (sometimes dangerous).

What are the risk factors for ODD?

ODD risk factors include:

• Family history of ODD
• Certain personality traits
• Being disciplined harshly
• Lack of parental supervision
• Inconsistent discipline
• Abuse
• Neglect
• Unstable family relationships
• Family history of mental health disorders
• Having a parent who misuses drugs or alcohol 

Complications might include poor work or school performance, weak interpersonal relationships, legal problems, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorder (SUD).

Other coexisting conditions that may occur with ODD include depression, anxiety disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and learning disorders. 

ClariPath Psychiatry can treat multiple mental health disorders at the same time.

How is ODD diagnosed?

To diagnose ODD or other mental health disorders, your ClariPath Psychiatry provider completes a comprehensive mental health evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. They discuss medical history, symptoms, moods, thoughts, emotions, behavior patterns, and potential learning disabilities. They then create an effective ODD treatment plan. 

How is ODD treated?

Your or your child’s ODD treatment may consist of one or more of the following:

• Medication management
• Lifestyle changes
• Family-based therapy
• Parenting skills training
• Social skills training
• Problem-solving training
• Individualized therapy
• Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT)
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Other forms of psychotherapy 

It’s also helpful to establish a routine that includes staying active, eating nutritious foods, getting plenty of sleep, and adopting stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, tai chi, or yoga.

Schedule a telemedicine ODD evaluation at ClariPath Psychiatry by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.