Symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) may occur in any environment, but are most likely to occur at home and in school. Negativity, defiance, disobedience and hostility toward authority figures are all hallmarks of this disorder. Symptoms are similar in both boys and girls, although boys may exhibit more confrontational behavior and may experience more persistent symptoms.

Children with ODD may have regular temper tantrums and engage in frequent arguments with adults. They may persistently test the limits imposed upon them, then fail to accept responsibility for their actions. They may deliberately annoy others and engage in spiteful and vindictive behavior toward peers and others. They are also easily annoyed themselves. Although children with ODD may be verbally aggressive, they tend to avoid the physical aggressiveness displayed by those with conduct disorder.

Other symptoms that may be displayed by children with ODD include:

• Low self-esteem, or over-inflated self-esteem
• Frequent mood changes
• Use of inappropriate language
• Use of alcohol, tobacco and/or drugs