What term describes a type of conduct disorder characterized by oppositional and defiant behavior?

The term that describes a type of conduct disorder characterized by oppositional and defiant behavior is oppositional defiant disorder. This condition is marked by a pattern of angry or irritable moods, argumentative behavior, and vindictiveness. It primarily manifests in children and adolescents, and these individuals often exhibit behavior that challenges authority figures and rules.

Oppositional defiant disorder is specifically distinguished from other related disorders by its focus on a persistent pattern of oppositional behavior towards authority figures, rather than the more severe behavior patterns seen in conduct disorder or the impulsivity and hyperactivity associated with attention deficit disorder. This distinction is important for proper diagnosis and treatment, as treatment strategies for oppositional defiant disorder may differ from those for conduct disorder or attention deficit disorder.