Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a pediatric mood disorder that presents with severe recurrent temper outbursts. These outbursts can be verbal (such as verbal rages) or behavioral (including physical aggression toward people or property). What sets DMDD apart is that these outbursts are grossly out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation or provocation.

Signs and Symptoms of DMDD

Severe Temper Outbursts: Children and adolescents with DMDD experience intense temper outbursts, occurring three or more times per week on average.

Duration: These outbursts have been ongoing for at least 12 months.

Chronic Irritability or Anger: DMDD individuals exhibit a chronically irritable or angry mood most of the day, nearly every day.

Functional Impairment: The irritability affects their functioning in multiple settings, such as home, school, and peer interactions.

Risk Factors and Causes

The exact prevalence of DMDD in the general population remains unclear, and researchers are actively exploring risk factors and underlying brain mechanisms. While the causes are not fully understood, DMDD appears to be associated with chronic irritability and dysregulation of mood.

Treatment Approaches

Psychotherapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT targets the relationship between thoughts, behaviors, and feelings. It has been effective in treating anger and disruptive behavior. CBT helps children increase their ability to tolerate frustration without having an outburst.

Parent Training: Parents or caregivers learn effective ways to respond to irritable behavior, anticipate triggers, and avert temper outbursts.

Medication: While DMDD-specific treatment studies are limited, medications may be considered if psychotherapy alone is insufficient. Providers may recommend a combination of psychotherapy and medication from the start.

Research and Ongoing Studies:

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is actively funding studies to improve existing treatments and identify new approaches to address irritability and temper outbursts in DMDD.

Conclusion:

Remember that seeking professional help is crucial for managing DMDD effectively. If you suspect your child may have DMDD, consult their pediatrician or health care provider. You’re not alone, and support is available!

References:

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

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

https://omh.ny.gov/omhweb/booklets/dmdd.pdf