Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a childhood condition of extreme irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. DMDD symptoms go beyond a being a “moody” child—children with DMDD experience severe impairment that requires clinical attention.
Pronunciation
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: /dɪsˈrʌptɪv muːd ˌdɪsreɡjʊˈleɪʃən dɪsˈɔːdər/
Etymology
The term "Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder" was introduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013. The term "disruptive" refers to the disorder's impact on the social and educational functioning of the child, "mood dysregulation" refers to the child's difficulty in regulating mood, and "disorder" indicates a pattern of symptoms that causes significant distress or impairment.
Symptoms
Children with DMDD have severe and recurrent temper tantrums that are out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation. These tantrums can be verbal or behavioral, such as yelling, pushing, hitting, or destruction of property. In between tantrums, these children are persistently irritable or angry most of the day, nearly every day, and are noticeable by others (parents, teachers, peers).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of DMDD is made by a mental health professional who will look for the following symptoms:
- Severe recurrent temper tantrums that are out of proportion to the situation or provocation.
- The tantrums are inconsistent with the child's developmental level.
- The tantrums occur, on average, three or more times per week.
- The mood between tantrums is persistently irritable or angry.
- The symptoms are present for 12 or more months in at least two settings (at home, at school, with peers) and are severe in at least one of these.
Treatment
Treatment for DMDD often includes Psychotherapy and Medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help children learn to better manage their anger and express their feelings in healthier ways. Family therapy may also be beneficial in teaching parents and siblings how to interact with the child in ways that decrease symptoms.
Related Terms
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