In Oppositional Defiant Disorder, how many symptoms are required for diagnosis?

In Oppositional Defiant Disorder, how many symptoms are required for diagnosis?

• A. Two symptoms
• B. Three symptoms
• C. Five symptoms
• D. Four symptoms

Answer: (D)

ODD is diagnosed when a child shows a persistent pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness for at least six months, and there are at least four of the specific behaviors present. The minimum four symptoms create a clinically meaningful pattern rather than a single or fleeting outburst. Examples of those behaviors include frequently losing temper, being easily annoyed, being angry and resentful, arguing with adults, actively defying or refusing to comply with requests or rules, deliberately annoying others, and blaming others for one's mistakes or misbehavior; being spiteful or vindictive is also included in the broader symptom set. To meet criteria, these behaviors must cause distress or impairment in social, academic, or family functioning and occur with someone other than a sibling. The symptoms should not be better explained by another mental disorder.

ODD is diagnosed when a child shows a persistent pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness for at least six months, and there are at least four of the specific behaviors present. The minimum four symptoms create a clinically meaningful pattern rather than a single or fleeting outburst. Examples of those behaviors include frequently losing temper, being easily annoyed, being angry and resentful, arguing with adults, actively defying or refusing to comply with requests or rules, deliberately annoying others, and blaming others for one's mistakes or misbehavior; being spiteful or vindictive is also included in the broader symptom set. To meet criteria, these behaviors must cause distress or impairment in social, academic, or family functioning and occur with someone other than a sibling. The symptoms should not be better explained by another mental disorder.