Definition of Conduct Disorder (CD) & Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

CD and ODD may be diagnosed when a child is defiant, aggressive and anti-social to a greater extent than expected for their age. They often misread situations and have difficulty empathising with others and interpret others’ behaviour as aggressive which makes them responds with aggression.

ODD is less severe than conduct disorder, it is prevalent in around 2% of girls and 5% of boys. ODD is likely a combination of a child’s home environment and inherited factors. CD can either have an early onset (by the age of 10) or an adolescent onset (more common). It is four times more common in boys and the prevalence is approximately 6%.

Signs and Symptoms of ODD

The most common symptoms a child with ODD will display are:

A strong will, disrespect and opposition to adults or people in authoritative positions
Being defiant in almost any situation
Temper tantrums disproportionate to the child’s age
Argumentativeness, lying, anger, and resentment.
Spite

Children with ODD have difficulty making then keeping friends as they purposely like to annoy people. Children with ODD often have, ADHD, depression and anxiety.

Treatment of ODD

ODD is not treated with medication but rather with often with talking therapies.

Signs and Symptoms of CD

There are many symptoms of CD below are a few:

Bullying
Cruelty to people and animals
Stealing from people through aggression
Forcing someone into sex
Destruction of property such as fire
Lying to others
Running away from home
Truancy from school

Treatment of CD

Treatment tends to involve talking therapy, including family therapy and potentially medication.

Behavioural Disorder Diagnosis

Each clinician at our centre has their own approach to assessments and treatment, and may tailor their approach depending on the patient's clinical presentation

Please find below an outline of potential elements that may form part of the assessment process:

Some questionnaires may be required to be completed by yourself or other 3rd parties (such as your child's teacher(s) if you are in agreement), during the assessment appointment(s) process.
(For children) we require any contact with school to be arranged via yourself, as neither our clinician nor office will contact your child's school directly.
Weight, height, pulse and blood pressure may potentially be taken (if applicable), or if the appointment is via Zoom, you may be asked to arrange this before or after an appointment.
Depending on the patient's (and family's) medical history, an electrocardiogram (ECG) and/or blood tests may be required. If so, any such tests are not included within our centre's fees and are payable directly to the relevant clinics whom undertake them.
Psychoeducation strategies may be offered and in addition some written resources may be provided.
Medication may potentially be discussed and prescribed during the assessment process if relevant consent obtained.