The best way for me to answer this question is to list the diagnostic criteria for both disorders. For Oppositional Defiant Disorder, children might (1) lose their tempers, (2) argue with adults, (3) actively defy or refuse to comply with adult's request or rules, (4) deliberately do things that annoy others, (5) blame others for their misbehaving or mistakes, (6) be easily annoyed by others or appear extremely sensitive, (7) be angry and resentful and (8) be vindictive or spiteful. For a true diagnosis, a child must exhibit at least 4 of these at a more frequent rate than what is considered normal for their age.
For Conduct Disorder, a child must exhibit a repetitive and persistent behavioral pattern in which the rights of others or societal norms are violated. The child might exhibit (1) aggressive behavior causing or threatening physical harm to others or animals, (2) non-aggressive behavior causing loss of property or damage, (3) theft or deceitfulness and (4) serious rule violations. Three or more of these behaviors have to occur within the last 12 months, with at least one in the past 6.
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