Final answer:
Oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by patterned and persistent disruptive behavior, typically towards authority figures, which differentiates it from ADHD's symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity and from conduct disorder's more severe rule-breaking behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristic Distinguishing Oppositional Defiant Disorder from ADHD and Conduct Disorder
The characteristic that differentiates oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder is that in ODD, disruptive behavior is patterned and persistent, typically directed towards authority figures, such as parents or teachers.
While ADHD is characterized by symptoms like inattention, executive functioning difficulties, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, ODD is more focused on ongoing patterns of angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness. Unlike ADHD, which can appear in multiple settings, ODD behaviors are often most noticeable in interactions with known authority figures.
Conduct disorder is differentiated by more severe behaviors, including aggression towards people or animals, destruction of property, and violation of rules or laws, which is not necessarily driven by the oppositional attitudes seen in ODD.
Option (a) is closer to the defining characteristic since disruptive behaviors in ODD sometimes are indeed more prominent in the home setting or with familiar authority figures; whereas, both ADHD and conduct disorders manifest in a variety of settings. Option (b) is not a distinguishing characteristic since the prevalence rate among genders can vary widely across all three disorders.