Jackson is a patient at your clinic. When you meet with him for the occupational therapy evaluation you note that he gets annoyed easily, appears to be vindictive toward the doctor who referred him to the clinic, and he repeatedly refuses to do activities you ask him to do as part of the evaluation. When you try to talk to him about intervention options, he becomes defiant, stating he will not be participating in any of those groups. Following your interaction, you go back to revisit the medical record and find this was not a new pattern of irritability and defiance; it has been evident for the past year. Which diagnosis does this best represent?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Jackson's behavior of easily getting annoyed, being vindictive, and repeatedly refusing to do activities aligns with the diagnostic criteria for Oppositional Defiant Disorder. The fact that this behavior has been present for a year also supports this diagnosis. Intermittent Explosive Disorder involves recurrent outbursts of verbal or physical aggression, which is not fully evident in this case. Antisocial Personality Disorder and Conduct Disorder involve more serious and persistent behavioral issues, such as violating the rights of others or committing crimes, which do not seem to be present here.

Jackson Is a Patient at Your Clinic