Prevalence of Oppositional Defiant Disorder in a sample of Spanish children between six and sixteen years: teacher’s report.

Introduction: Our main objective is to study the prevalence of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in school children aged 6-16 years of an autonomous region of Spain (Castile and Leon), according to reports from the teachers and to analyze the impact of the disorder on academic performance and school behavior.

Methods: Population study with stratified multistage, proportional and cluster design sample. Sample analyzed: 1,049. Cases were defined according to DSM-IV-TR criteria.

Results: An overall prevalence rate of 4.2% was found, this being significantly higher in males (5.7%) compared to females (2.6%) and in rural (6.8%) than in urban areas (3%). No significant differences by grade or type of school were found. ODD prevalence without considering functional impairment would increase to 5.1%. ODD cases have significantly worse academic outcomes (overall academic performance, reading, math and writing) and entail worse classroom behavior (relationship with peers, respect for rules, organizational skills, academic tasks and disruption of the class).

Conclusions: Based on the prevalence, early onset, persistence of symptoms and social and academic dysfunction of ODD, early diagnosis and preventive intervention are necessary.