OPPOSITIONAL DISORDER

Key words: Oppositional disorder, Social behaviour disorder, ADHD, Parenting

The oppositional disorder (OD) is the most frequent behavioural disorder during childhood and adolescence, with a a prevalence which ranges from 1 to 11 % and increases with age. The author describes the diagnostic features of OD according with the DSM IV classification and underlines its frequent overlap with ADHD as well as with the social behaviour disorder (SBD). The need for prevention and early diagnosis to avoid later severe social problems is stressed. Three types of effective interventions are suggested: psychosocial support to parents, parents’ training in coherent educational approaches and early stimulation of cognitive and emotional development of the child. Paediatricians, by playing an active role in preventing OD, may give an important contribution to societal cohesion.