Oppositional Defiant Disorder - Issues To Address in The DSM-V

Issues To Address in The DSM-V

Oppositional defiant disorder was first defined in the DSM-III. Since the introduction of ODD as an independent disorder, the field trials to inform the definition of this disorder has included predominately male subjects. Some clinicians have debated whether or not the diagnostic criteria presented above would be clinically relevant for use with females. Furthermore, some have questioned whether or not gender-specific criteria and thresholds should be included. Additionally, some clinicians have questioned the preclusion of ODD when CD is present. According to Dickstein, The latest DSM attempts to:

“redefine ODD by emphasizing a ‘persistent pattern of angry and irritable mood along with vindictive behavior,’ rather than DSM-IV's focus exclusively on ‘negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior.’ Although DSM-IV implied, but did not mention, irritability, DSM-V now includes three symptom clusters, one of which is 'angry/irritable mood' —defined as ‘loses temper, is touchy/easily annoyed by others, and is angry/resentful.’ This suggests that the process of clinically relevant research driving nosology, and vice versa, has ensured that the future will bring greater understanding of ODD”.