[Oppositional defiant disorder: aspects related to sex differences and informant].
BACKGROUND
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is one of the most common externalizing disorders in childhood. ODD prevalence global rates vary from 2% to 16%. Along with conduct disorder and attention deficit disorder, ODD is one of the leading reasons for referral to neuropediatric and psychiatric services. Even though ODD has recognized clinical importance, key aspects of its conceptualization and prevalence in childhood and adolescence remain uncertain.


METHODS
We examine previous research findings of ODD prevalence and analyze sex differences and differences according to informants.


CONCLUSIONS
ODD prevalence rates present high variability. A number of studies suggest that ODD is more common in boys than in girls. Nevertheless, some authors point that this sex differences may be due to methodological bias. We recommend the validation of an ODD scale that has into consideration the following aspects: level of the subject's development (age), gender and environment.
Cardo
E
E
Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Hospital Son Llàtzer, Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, España. ecardojalon@gmail.com
Meisel
V
V
García-Banda
G
G
Palmer
C
C
Riutort
L
L
Bernad
M
M
Servera
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012727:Sex Characteristics