Oppositional Defiance Disorder to Conduct Disorder. Defiant Behaviour

Seminar paper from the year 2010 in the subject Psychology - Clinical Psychology Psychopathology Prevention ( 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. DefinitionsOppositional 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 rather simil