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Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a mental health condition characterized by severe and frequent temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation. DMDD is diagnosed in children up to age 18 who exhibit persistent irritability, anger and frequent temper outbursts.
what is Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder2

What is DMDD?

DMDD was added as a diagnosis to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013. It is considered a mood disorder that emerges in childhood or adolescence. DMDD is related to but different from bipolar disorder. With bipolar disorder, children experience distinct periods of elevated mood alternating with depression. With DMDD, children experience irritability that is chronic and not punctuated by periods of elevated mood.
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How is DMDD diagnosed?

how is Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
For a diagnosis of DMDD, irritability and anger must persist for at least 12 months in multiple settings such as home, school and with peers. Diagnostic criteria also require that between temper outbursts, the mood remains persistently irritable most of the day, nearly every day. In addition, diagnosing clinicians look for :

Frequent temper outbursts
Outbursts are out of proportion to the situation
Outbursts inconsistent with developmental level
Occur three or more times per week
The mood between outbursts is irritable or angry most of the day
Criteria have been met for more than 12 months
Symptoms emerge before age 10

What are the symptoms of DMDD?

The primary symptoms of DMDD are severe, reoccurring temper outbursts and persistent irritability between outbursts. Outbursts often seem out of proportion to the situation. For example, a child with DMDD may have an extreme tantrum to a minor frustration. Between outbursts, children are constantly irritable. They may frequently lose their temper, fight with others, and defy rules. Their irritability impairs relationships with family, friends and school.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder-treatment

Treatment of DMDD

Treatment focuses on helping children better control their emotions and outbursts. Parent training educates parents on strategies for setting clear limits while avoiding escalation.

Cognitive behavioural therapy helps children identify triggers and implement coping strategies.

Medications may be prescribed in severe cases. Selective serotonin
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In summary, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder involves severe, chronic irritability and frequent explosive outbursts. Through a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, clinicians look for specific criteria, including persistent irritability, temper outbursts and onset before age 10. Treatment usually includes parent training, therapy and sometimes medications to help reduce irritability and temper outbursts. With appropriate treatment, children with DMDD can learn to better regulate their moods.