Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a childhood disorder that is characterized by undercontrolled, noncompliant, defiant, and socially disruptive behavior. ODD is classified as a disruptive behavior disorder along with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder (CD). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition-Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) specifies that youth must exhibit four of the following behaviors for at least six months for a diagnosis of ODD to be made (American Psychiatric Association, 2000):

• Loses temper
• Argues with adults
• Defies or refuses to comply with rules or adult's requests
• Annoys others deliberately
• Blames others for mistakes
• Is easily annoyed by others
• Is often angry and resentful
• Is often spiteful and vindictive

The DSM-IV-TR also specifies that a diagnosis should only be made if oppositional and defiant behavior significantly impairs an individual's ...