Is Oppositional Defiant Disorder a legitimate diagnosis?

Some people believe that oppositional defiant disorder is a way to excuse a spoiled brat's behavior We have had parents calling in previously that have expressed disbelief in the diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder. They say that this diagnosis was virtually unheard of 25 years ago. There are also those that struggle with the diagnosis of ADD, ADHD or Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Some believe that children are just being pampered and that they should be forced to stay on task. Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder are sometimes grouped together. They are similar in symptoms to ADD and can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between typical youth behaviors of beginning to develop their own identities. There is also controversy surrounding the medications being prescribed to youth today for ADHD treatment. Some people feel that it is not right to medicate children that have any of the diagnosis we have mentioned previously. On the other side of the spectrum there are always those who will recommend some type of medication for everything. It is always good to get a second opinion when you are considering starting your child on any type of psychotropic drug.

Could my child have Conduct disorder?

How common is conduct disorder? Conduct disorder affects 1 to 4 percent of 9- to 17-year-olds, depending on exactly how the disorder is defined. The disorder appears to be more common in boys than in girls and more common in cities than in rural areas. Children with conduct disorder repeatedly violate the personal or property rights of others and the basic expectations of society. A diagnosis of conduct disorder is likely when symptoms continue for 6 months or longer. Conduct disorder is known as a "disruptive behavior disorder" because of its impact on children and their families, neighbors, and schools. Another disruptive behavior disorder, called oppositional defiant disorder, may be a precursor of conduct disorder. A child is diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder when he or she shows signs of being hostile and defiant for at least 6 months. Oppositional defiant disorder may start as early as the preschool years, while conduct disorder generally appears when children are older. Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder are not co-occurring conditions. The information here was taken from the SAMHSA site. More information can be found on the SAMHSA site here. A diagnosis of Conduct Disorder is more rare than the diagnosis typically given to youth today of ADD, or Attention Deficit, and ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. However this doesn't mean anything to a parent who has a child that has recently been given a diagnosis of Conduct Disorder. There is help for children with this diagnosis. We can help give us a call 800 591 0115