What is DMDD?

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a condition characterized by ongoing irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. While many children experience moodiness, those with DMDD exhibit severe symptoms that significantly impact their daily life at home and school.

Signs and Symptoms:

Severe Temper Outbursts: Children and adolescents with DMDD have verbal or behavioral outbursts, occurring three or more times per week.

Chronic Irritability: A persistently irritable or angry mood dominates most of their day.

Functional Impairment: DMDD affects functioning in multiple settings (home, school, and peer interactions).

Diagnosis and Risk Factors:

DMDD is typically diagnosed between ages 6 and 10.

To receive a DMDD diagnosis, a child must experience symptoms consistently for 12 or more months.

The exact causes of DMDD remain unclear, and researchers are exploring risk factors and brain mechanisms.

Treatment Options:

Psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT): Targets the relationship between thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. It helps manage anger and disruptive behavior, teaching coping skills and identifying distorted perceptions.

Parent Training: Equips parents with effective strategies to respond to irritable behavior and prevent temper outbursts.

Medication: Sometimes added to treatment, especially when psychotherapy alone isn’t sufficient.

References:

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder-dmdd

https://www.dmdd.org/learn-about-dmdd/dmdd-diagnosis/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24394-disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder-dmdd