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Oppositional disorder in children: a validation study comparing conduct disorder, oppositional disorder and normal
1Department of Psychiatry, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Oppositional disorder (OD) may be a variant of conduct disorder (CD), not a distinct condition. OD patients show high comorbidity with attention deficit, emotional, and learning disorders, differing from CD in social and family dynamics.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Oppositional disorder (OD) is a behavioral disorder in children.
- The diagnostic classification of OD remains debated.
- Understanding OD's relationship to conduct disorder (CD) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether oppositional disorder (OD) is a distinct clinical entity.
- To compare the clinical and familial characteristics of OD with conduct disorder (CD) and normal controls (NC).
Main Methods:
- Comparative study design.
- Inclusion of three groups: OD (N=21), CD (N=22), and NC (N=20).
- Assessment of associated disorders, social functioning, and family environment.
Main Results:
- OD subjects showed high rates of attention deficit, emotional, and learning disorders.
- Compared to NC, OD subjects had more social relationship problems and family dysfunction.
- OD differed from CD by less undersocialization and more marital dissatisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Oppositional disorder (OD) appears to be a variant of conduct disorder (CD).
- OD is not a distinct disorder separate from CD.
- Family environment and specific symptoms differentiate OD from CD.