Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Prevalence based on parent and teacher ratings of Malaysian primary school children

BackgroundThis study examined the prevalence rate of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Malaysian primary school children.MethodsIn all 934 Malaysian parents and teachers completed ratings of their children using a scale comprising DSM-IV-TR ODD symptoms.ResultsResults showed rates of 3.10%, 3.85%, 7.49% and 0.64% for parent, teacher, parent or teacher (“or-rule”), and parent and teacher (“and-rule”) ratings, respectively. When the functional impairment criterion was not considered, the rate reported by parents was higher at 13.28%.DiscussionThe theoretical, diagnostic and cultural implications of the findings are discussed.

► Currently, there is no prevalence data on Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Malaysia. ► This was examined using parent and teacher ratings (N = 934) of the ODD symptoms. ► Parent ratings indicated a rate of 3.10%, while teacher ratings indicated a rate of 3.85%, respectively. ► Parent or teacher ratings (“or-rule”) indicated a rate of 7.49%. ► Parent and teacher ratings (“and-rule”) indicated a rate of 0.64%.