A. A pattern of negativistic, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least 6 months, during which four (or more) of the following are present:

1. Often loses temper.
2. Often argues with adults.
3. Often actively defies or refuses to comply with
4. adult?s requests or rules.
5. Often deliberately annoys people.
6. Often blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehavior.
7. Often touchy or easily annoyed by others.
8. Often angry and resentful.
9. Often spiteful or vindictive.

Note: Consider a criterion met only if the behavior occurs more frequently than is typically observed in individuals of comparable age and developmental level.

B. The disturbance in behavior causes clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.

C. The behaviors do not occur exclusively during the course of a Psychotic or Mood Disorder.

D. Criteria are not met for Conduct Disorder, and, if the individual is age 18 years or older, criteria are not met for Antisocial Personality Disorder.

DSM 313.81

Associated Features

• Learning problem
• Depressed mood
• Hyperactivity
• Addiction
• Dramatic or Antisocial Personality

Differential Diagnosis

Some disorders have similar or even the same symptoms. The clinician, therefore, in his or her diagnostic attempt has to differentiate against the following disorders which need to be ruled out to establish a precise diagnosis:

• Conduct Disorder;
• Mood Disorders;
• Psychotic Disorders;
• Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder;
• Mental Retardation; impaired language comrehension;
• Typical feature of certain developmental stages.

* The above information and criteria were derived, in part from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Last Modified on: Saturday, August 08, 2009