The amygdala plays a role in the experience of positive emotions and the determination of the appeal of stimuli. Since people with ODD have a dysfunctioning amygdala, they require increased levels of stimulation to experience positive emotions and interest/appeal. 


ODD: the amygdala and reward processing

- Pre-ejection period (PEP)
- Heart rate (HR)


 ODD: reward processing is measured through various ANS responses



Research states that lower activity in the brain’s dopaminergic systems result in decreased reward processing and result in a lack in motivation to obtain the feeling of reward. 


People with ODD have dysfunctional dopaminergic systems 


Research indicates that deficiencies in reward sensitivity in DBD’s are partially influenced by deficits in the orbitofrontal cortex because it disrupts stimulus-response learning and processing.  This results in response perserveration.


ODD: orbitofrontal cortex dysfunction 


- Autonomic Nervous System: heart functioning
- Brain Areas elated to Reward Processing: amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex
- Neurotransmitters: dopaminergic systems


Arizona State University

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


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

Ways Reward Processing Sensitivty is Measured in People With 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. 


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