Age-inappropriate stubbornness, irritability, disobedience and behaving in a hostile manner are the main features of _____.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Oppositional defiant disorder
Option (1) Attention deficit hyperactive disorder — Incorrect. Its two main features are inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity: the child cannot sustain attention, is easily distracted, fidgets and acts without thinking. Stubbornness and hostility are not its defining signs.
Option (2) Oppositional defiant disorder — Correct. Children with ODD display age-inappropriate amounts of stubbornness, are irritable, defiant, disobedient, and behave in a hostile manner. They do not see themselves as angry or defiant and often justify their behaviour as a reaction to circumstances.
Option (3) Conduct disorder — Incorrect. Conduct disorder refers to age-inappropriate actions that violate family expectations, social norms and the personal or property rights of others, such as aggression, destroying property and lying. It goes beyond defiance to breaking rules and harming others.
Option (4) Autism spectrum disorder — Incorrect. Children with autism have difficulty in social interaction and communication, a restricted range of interests and a strong desire for routine. Their problem is in relating to others, not in defiance.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 29-05-2023 (Slot 1).
NCERT (2025-26): “Disruptive, Impulse-Control and Conduct Disorders … Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) display age-inappropriate amounts of stubbornness, are irritable, defiant, disobedient, and behave in a hostile manner. Individuals with ODD do not see themselves as angry, oppositional, or defiant and often justify their behaviour as reaction to circumstances/demands. Thus, the symptoms of the disorder become entangled with the problematic interactions with others. The terms conduct disorder and antisocial behaviour refer to age-inappropriate actions and attitudes that violate family expectations, societal norms, and the personal or property rights of others.…” “Neurodevelopmental Disorders … The two main features of ADHD are inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.…” “Neurodevelopmental Disorders … Children with autism spectrum disorder have marked difficulties in social interaction and communication across different contexts, a restricted range of interests, and strong desire for routine.…” |