What differentiates Oppositional Defiant Disorder from Conduct Disorder?

The defining characteristic that differentiates Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) from Conduct Disorder (CD) is the presence of argumentativeness and defiance. Children with ODD typically exhibit a pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative behavior, and defiance towards authority figures. These behaviors often manifest as arguments, refusal to comply with requests, and deliberately annoying others, but they do not include the more severe patterns of behavior associated with CD.

Conduct Disorder, on the other hand, is marked by more serious violations of societal norms and the rights of others, such as aggression towards people or animals, destruction of property, deceitfulness, or serious rule violations. While both disorders include disruptive behaviors, the nature and severity of those behaviors are what fundamentally set them apart; ODD does not encompass the violation of the rights of others or aggressive behaviors that cause physical harm as seen in CD.

Therefore, the hallmark signs of argumentativeness and defiance are crucial in diagnosing ODD, distinguishing it from the more severe behavioral issues found in Conduct Disorder.