At some point during development, most children will engage in a rebellious act aimed at their parents. Some level of rebellion is a natural part of child development and is the child’s way of expressing their opinions. However, when a child is regularly defying the instructions and orders of authority figures (resulting in detentions, suspensions, or legal problems), then they may have a mental health issue.

Signs and Symptoms of Extreme Defiance

The following is a list of typical signs and symptoms of extreme defiance. Your child may be expressing defiant behavior if they:

• Have a disregard and lack of respect for authority figures (for example, parents, teachers, or police)
• Argue excessively with adults
• Do not follow adult rules or laws
• Publicly show annoyance with other people
• Blame others for their own mistakes or behaviors
• Lack a sense of responsibility
• Are not sorry for their actions when they should be
• Seek revenge
• Exhibit an increase in verbal aggression toward others

Possible Mental Health Diagnoses

Possible mental health diagnoses within this symptom cluster include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Depression
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use and dependence