What is a key feature of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)?

A key feature of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is persistent defiant behavior. Children diagnosed with ODD often display a consistent pattern of angry, irritable moods, argumentative behavior, and vindictiveness towards authority figures. This defiance is not simply typical testing of boundaries that many children engage in; it is more frequent and severe, leading to significant impairment in social, academic, or other important areas of functioning. Understanding that the hallmark of ODD is this ongoing defiant behavior helps differentiate it from other behavioral or mood disorders that may have different characteristics or manifestations.