Which disorder is characterized by negative, hostile, and defiant behavior lasting at least 6 months?

Oppositional defiant disorder is characterized by a pattern of negative, hostile, and defiant behavior that lasts for at least six months. This disorder typically involves a consistent pattern of being irritable, argumentative, and defiant toward authority figures. Children and adolescents with this disorder may frequently lose their temper, argue with adults, actively refuse to comply with requests, and deliberately annoy others.

The diagnosis is differentiated from similar conditions by the specific duration of the symptoms and the nature of the behaviors displayed, which are aimed primarily at resisting authority rather than engaging in more serious actions seen in other disorders. This distinction is crucial for appropriate treatment and support.

The other choices represent different conditions with distinct characteristics. Antisocial personality disorder involves a pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, while bipolar disorder is marked by extreme mood swings between manic and depressive episodes. Conduct disorder, on the other hand, typically involves more severe behaviors that violate social norms and rights of others, such as aggression towards people or animals, destruction of property, or serious rule violations.