Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Adults

What are the causes of poverty? Why do families where both parents work rely on food banks? Why do men and women find themselves homeless? These are questions Terry Pomerantz and the Pomerantz Foundation team constantly ponder.

More often than we think, psychological disorders detected late or poorly treated can be the root of increasing difficulties, leading individuals to involuntarily place themselves in a fragile socioeconomic situation.

One of these factors can be oppositional defiant disorder.

Definition of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Adults

In adults, oppositional defiant disorder manifests as a marked tendency to disobey authority against which the person shows passive opposition (appears to acquiesce to the demand but does not willingly follow through) or active opposition (manifestations of anger, frustration, confrontation).

Generally, adults with oppositional defiant disorder do not exhibit aggressive behavior.

Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Adults

Adults with oppositional defiant disorder tend to:

• Argue with authority
• Be impulsive, irritable, and resentful
• Have difficulty planning and organizing
• Blame others for their mistakes
• React poorly to changes they did not initiate themselves.

Causes of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Adults

Oppositional defiant disorder in adults often stems from:

• A lack of recognition of the person's individuality when they were a child
• A child's lack of trust in their parents
• Their own argumentation, which fuels the opposition
• The need to play the main role within a couple or group
• The need to be loved.

Impact of Oppositional Defiant Disorder on Family and Children

When an adult in a family suffers from oppositional defiant disorder, couple relationships and relations with children rapidly deteriorate. Family solidarity crumbles, and relational difficulties with children can lead to a loss of trust in parents.

Such a family climate is far from conducive to children's development, with anxiety and low self-esteem potentially creeping in. Additionally, children may in turn exhibit behavioral and oppositional disorders.

Treatment of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Adults

In adults, oppositional defiant disorder can also be related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as anxiety disorders, obsessive disorders, and substance abuse problems. This is why it's important to consult a mental health professional to establish an accurate diagnosis as well as appropriate treatment.

When Should You Consult a Health Professional?

Terry Pomerantz's simple answer: "As soon as possible! At work, an oppositional disorder can quickly degrade team spirit. Within the family, the bile of an oppositional disorder can cause anxiety problems in children, seriously affect their academic performance, corrode the couple's relationship, and lead to job stability issues, compromising the family's financial security."

The Pomerantz Foundation

Intervening to help different children and their families overcome their difficulties is exactly the mission of the Pomerantz Foundation, which supports organizations wholly dedicated to the well-being of different children year after year.

In solidarity with the Pomerantz Foundation, let's support organizations like Mira, le Phare, Altergo, la Sortie, and Jeunesse au Soleil.