What causes ODD?

There is no real cause that has been identified as to why a child may suffer from ODD.  A few theories that have been identified according to Johns Hopkins include:

1. Developmental theory - this theory suggests that ODD starts when the child is a toddler.  The child may have struggles with becoming independent from the parent or may have attachment issues.
2. Learning theory - this theory suggests that ODD is learned by misplaced positive and negative reinforcement or the lack-thereof.

A few other risk factors identified by the Mayo Clinic include:

1. Temperament - a child who has issues with controlling their emotions or having really strong reactive emotions in certain situations.
2. Parent issues - children that are abused or neglected or do not experience the proper level of age appropriate supervision.
3. Other family issues - living with unstable caretakers.
4. Environment - problem behaviors which are reinforced by peers.