National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) Practice Exam

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Which of the following behaviors is characteristic of Oppositional Defiant Disorder?

Excessive compliance
Angry and irritable mood
Overwhelming sadness
Increased social interaction

The correct answer is: Angry and irritable mood

The behavior characteristic of Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is an angry and irritable mood. ODD is primarily recognized by a pattern of angry, irritable mood, argumentative/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness. Individuals with ODD often exhibit frequent temper tantrums, excessive arguing with authority figures, and actively defy rules and requests. The angry and irritable mood is a core symptom, manifesting in frustration and emotional dysregulation, making it essential for the diagnosis of this disorder. In contrast, the other options do not align with the hallmark features of ODD. Excessive compliance could indicate a different issue, potentially involving anxiety or a passive response to authority rather than defiance. Overwhelming sadness is more indicative of mood disorders, such as depression, rather than ODD. Lastly, increased social interaction is generally associated with positive social behavior, which is not typical in ODD, as children often struggle with social relationships due to their oppositional behaviors.