Oppositional Defiant Disorder

Oppositional defiant disorder is a childhood behavioral disorder characterized by a persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness toward authority figures, lasting at least six months and going beyond what is typical for the child's developmental stage. It commonly precedes or co-occurs with conduct disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and it is distinguished from conduct disorder by the general absence of aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, or serious violations of rules.