Compare and contrast the symptoms involved in the externalizing disorders of childhood: oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder

What will be an ideal response?

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD) are disruptive behavior disorder. These conditions are associated with symptoms that are socially disturbing and distressing to others. These disorders may make school achievement less likely and increase conflicts between the children who have these disorders and peers, parents, teachers, and others. Diagnosis of externalizing disorders requires a pattern of behavior that is 1) atypical for the child's age and developmental level; 2) persistent (occurring consistently for at least one year); and 3) severe enough to cause significant impairment in social, academic or vocational functioning.

ODD is characterized by a pattern of hostile, negativistic behavior in which the child loses his or her temper and defies adult requests. Anger and resentment are common emotions for these children, and they may engage in spiteful actions, but they usually do not break the law or act cruelly or viciously toward others. CDs are characterized by just this kind of behavior. Children with conduct disorders violate the rights of others by stealing, fighting, bullying, lying, destroying property, or acting cruelly toward animals or small children.

Family and social context play a large role in the development of externalizing disorders, as disruptive behavior is associated with harsh or inconsistent discipline, peer or maternal rejection, economic stress, large families, and marital breakdown. Underlying emotional issues are also common in these externalizing disorders. Depression frequently co-exists with ODD. ODD often precedes the development of conduct disorders, and ODD and CD tend to co-occur with ADHD.