Decreased norepinephrine functioning could contribute to adverse reactions to fearful and punishing stimuli in people with ODD.

Arizona State University

Neurotransmitters associated with impaired punishment processing in ODD


Matthys, Vanderschuren, L. J. M. J., & Schutter, D. J. L. G. (2013). The neurobiology of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder: Altered functioning in three mental domains. Development and Psychopathology, 25(1), 193–207. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0954579412000272

The neurobiology of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder: Altered functioning in three mental domains

Norepinephrine and Punishment Processing  


Serotonin is associated with aggressive behavior in many different psychopathologies, not solely DBD’s. People with ODD have a reduction of 5-HT functioning which contributes to lack of responsiveness to fearful stimuli. Additionally, medications such as lithium and risperidone that target serotonergic receptors decrease disruptive aggressive behavior in this population. 

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