Oppositional defiant disorder: information for school nurses.

Oppositional defiant disorder, one of the disruptive behavior disorders, has far-reaching consequences for the individual, family, school, community, and society. Early recognition allows interventions geared toward promotion of prosocial behaviors, possibly halting progression to the more deviant conduct disorder. Awareness of this disorder and associated comorbidities is the first step that enables the school nurse to use assessment techniques and to assist in planning of interventions for the child. Children at risk often show tendencies toward oppositional defiant disorder as early as preschool. Interventions should be in place by the elementary school years to interrupt the pathways that may be difficult or impossible to change once adolescence begins. The school nurse can be instrumental in educating staff about risk factors, early associated behaviors, and referrals. Implementation of an individualized healthcare plan targets specific behaviors and provides a means of observing and documenting a child's improvements.