What is the suspected diagnosis for a 7-year-old boy exhibiting irritability, classroom disobedience, and intentional disruption of classmates?

The symptoms described for the 7-year-old boy, such as irritability, classroom disobedience, and intentional disruption of classmates, align most closely with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). This condition is characterized by a pattern of angry or irritable mood, argumentative or defiant behavior, and vindictiveness. Children with ODD may frequently lose their temper, actively refuse to comply with requests or rules, and deliberately annoy others. The context of school disruptions and intentional disobedience particularly highlights a pattern typical of ODD, as these behaviors are often directed towards authority figures, such as teachers.

In contrast, while attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder could also lead to classroom difficulties, it typically involves symptoms related to inattention and hyperactivity rather than the overtly defiant behaviors described. Conduct disorder, on the other hand, encompasses more severe behavioral issues, including aggression towards people and animals, destruction of property, and serious violations of rules, which seem to exceed the behaviors presented. Generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry and anxiety that is not primarily characterized by defiance or irritability.

Thus, the behavior exhibited by the boy suggests a clear pattern of oppositional conduct, leading to the conclusion that oppositional defiant disorder is the