Conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder are patterns of behaviour in children and teenagers: ongoing defiance and anger (ODD), or aggression and serious rule-breaking (conduct disorder). They are not simply bad character. Early help, especially parent training, makes a big difference.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- ODD: Argumentative, defiant, vindictive behaviour
- CD: Aggression, property destruction, deceitfulness, serious rule violation
- Difficulty following rules at home and school
- Physical fights
How it is usually treated
- Parent Management Training
- Multi-Systemic Therapy
- CBT for children
- School-based interventions
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My child lies, fights and breaks rules”
- “My teenager is aggressive and does not listen”
- “The school keeps complaining about behaviour”
- “We have tried everything and nothing works”
Children and teens with conduct difficulties may also notice ADHD, depression or substance use. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if there is violence, cruelty to animals, fire-setting or running away. Call 112 if anyone is in danger. Tele-MANAS is on 14416.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist talks with the child, parents and school, and checks for ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma and learning difficulties, which are often behind behaviour problems.
Treatment and support
- Parent management training, the first-line approach
- Multisystemic therapy for severe cases
- CBT for anger and problem-solving
- School-based support
- Treating related ADHD, anxiety or trauma
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists work with parents first, since changing how adults respond is the most effective step. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist meets the child or teenager and the parents, together and separately where helpful, and also asks about school and friendships.
Who is involved
A psychiatrist leads, a clinical psychologist can work with the child and parents, and school input is welcomed.
Between sessions
Parents get clear guidance for home, and reviews follow behaviour, mood and school life.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is ODD a phase or a disorder?
Many children are defiant at times. It is ODD when it is frequent, lasts months and affects family and school life.
Is it about bad parenting?
Not simply. Temperament, trauma, ADHD and many other factors play a part, and parents can learn effective strategies.
Can it improve?
Yes. Early help gives the best results.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Divya GurunathanPsychiatrist - Women's Mental Health & Child Psychiatry- Dr. Barkha ChikaraCo-Founder & Chief Medical Officer, Psychiatrist
Dr. Vineet PaliFounder & COO, Psychiatrist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Online care in your city
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