Even the best-behaved children can be difficult and challenging at times. But oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) includes a frequent and ongoing pattern of anger, irritability, arguing, and defiance toward parents and other authority figures. ODD also includes being spiteful and seeking revenge, a behavior called vindictiveness. These emotional and behavioral issues cause serious problems with family life, social activities, school, and work. But as a parent, you don't have to try to manage a child with ODD alone. Your healthcare provider, a mental health professional, and a child development expert can help. Treatment of ODD involves learning skills to help build positive family interactions and manage problem behaviors. Other therapy, and possibly medicines, may be needed to treat related mental health conditions.