Psychological assessment in the diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a relatively common condition in childhood, whose diagnosis requires a careful clinical approach. Given this complexity, Psychological Assessment is a valuable resource for enhancing diagnostic accuracy. In light of this reality, the present study aimed to analyze the scientific literature on Psychological Assessment in the diagnosis of ODD and to describe the methods used in this scenario. In addition, it proposed identifying the main difficulties encountered in the diagnostic process of this disorder. The research was structured through an integrative literature review, with searches conducted in national and international databases, considering studies published over the last ten years. The results indicated the need for a critical and culturally sensitive approach to the assessment of ODD, since psychosocial factors directly influence the onset and worsening of symptoms. Gaps in the diagnostic criteria of the disorder were also identified, which may hinder the structuring of accurate diagnoses. Furthermore, the study highlighted the applicability of assessment instruments while emphasizing the urgency of validating tools adapted to the Brazilian context and different developmental profiles. The findings reinforced the importance of a Psychological Assessment guided by multidimensional perspectives, which considers the uniqueness of each individual as a fundamental element for more ethical and accurate diagnoses. Therefore, this study provided a relevant synthesis of the evaluative practice in the context of ODD, gathering significant data on a topic still underexplored in Brazilian literature and contributing to the strengthening of clinical and academic discussions in the field.