People with ODD experience dysfunction in cognitive, reward processing abilities. Similar to the deficits in punishment processing, people with ODD have a reduced reward sensitivity due to low basal reactivity and adverse learning processes. Thus, people with ODD require increased levels of sensory input to achieve a positive state. Moreover, this may explain the thrill seeking behavior that accompanies ODD.

Reward processing and ODD


Patients with ODD have a deficit in punishment processing. They display a lack of fear of punishment which was measured through various ANS responses (heart rate, basal-skin response etc.). This explains why individuals with ODD continue to perform inappropriate behavior due to their insensitivity to punishment cues. 


Punishment processing in ODD Patients


Impairments in hot Ef's in relation to ODD results in preservation of behavior and inability to portray adaptive behavioral responses to changes in the environment. 

Arizona State University

Hot EF's are thought to be controlled by the orbitofrontal and medial pre-frontal networks in the limbic system and underlying paralimbic structures. 

Neuropsychology of Hot EF's

Studies indicate that dysfunction in the orbitofrontal cortex result in compromised affective decision making in people with ODD.

ODD: impaired orbitofrontal cortex functioning

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

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