How do Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder differ in terms of severity and behavior?

• A. ODD is more severe and involves violence; CD is less severe.
• B. ODD involves defiant, argumentative behavior and irritability; CD includes aggression, property destruction, deceit/theft, or serious violations.
• C. ODD is a mood disorder; CD is an anxiety disorder.
• D. ODD requires pharmacotherapy; CD does not.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how the behaviors differ in type and severity. Oppositional Defiant Disorder centers on a pattern of defiant, argumentative, tantrum-prone, and irritable behavior toward authority figures. The issues are disruptive and create conflicts, but they stay within noncriminal, non-severe realms—for example arguing, refusing to comply, blames others, and being spiteful or angry.

Conduct Disorder, on the other hand, involves more serious, pervasive problems that violate the rights of others or major social norms. This includes aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, deceit or theft, and serious rule violations (like frequent truancy or running away). Because the behaviors are more harmful and widespread, this disorder is considered more severe and carries greater risk for long-term problems.

In practice, ODD can sometimes precede CD, and treatment focuses on behavioral strategies and family-focused interventions, while CD often requires more intensive, multi-system approaches due to the higher risk and broader impairment.