Which statement best distinguishes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) differs from Conduct Disorder (CD) in terms of severity and behaviors?

• A. ODD and CD are essentially the same disorder.
• B. ODD features a pattern of defiant, hostile behavior and angry mood; CD involves more serious violations of the rights of others (such as aggression, property destruction, deceit/theft) and greater impairment.
• C. CD is defined by mood symptoms without behavior problems.
• D. ODD involves delusions and hallucinations.

Answer: (B)

ODD and CD differ in how severe the problems are and what kinds of behaviors show up. ODD centers on a pattern of defiant, hostile behavior and an angry mood toward authority figures, without pervasive, serious violations of others’ rights. Conduct Disorder, by contrast, involves more serious behaviors that violate others’ rights and social norms—such as aggression toward people or animals, destruction of property, deceit or theft, and serious rule violations—and it tends to cause greater impairment in functioning. So the statement that best captures the distinction is that ODD is characterized by defiant and angry behavior toward authority, while CD entails more severe, rights-violating conduct with greater impairment. The other options are not correct because they mischaracterize the disorders: they aren’t essentially the same; CD isn’t defined by mood symptoms without behavior problems; and ODD does not involve delusions or hallucinations.