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Impulse control and conduct

Oppositional defiant disorder

Pattern of anger, irritability, arguments and defiance towards authority figures for at least six months, beyond the normal age.

Common signs

Argues and defies rulesGets angry easilyBlames others for their mistakes

Tips

For you

  1. Clear, few and consistent rules
  2. Strongly reinforce positive behaviour
  3. Parent training programmes

For family and friends

  1. Few rules, clear and always the same
  2. Praise a lot of what they do well

When to ask for help

  1. If living together has become unbearable
  2. If aggression appears

Test for families

For parents or relatives: answer thinking about the child or person you are worried about, over the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. Gets angry very easily
2. Often argues with adults
3. Defies or refuses to follow rules
4. Annoys others on purpose
5. Blames others for their mistakes
6. Is spiteful or vindictive
7. It has been happening for more than six months
8. It happens more than in other children their age

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFree guide: Childhood and youthFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Intermittent explosive disorderImpulse control and conductConduct disorderImpulse control and conductPyromaniaImpulse control and conductKleptomaniaImpulse control and conduct

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.