Psychology Facts

▼ Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder ▼

》Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a condition in which children or adolescents experience ongoing irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts.

》The symptoms of DMDD go beyond a "bad mood." DMDD symptoms are severe.

》Children and adolescents with DMDD experience:

Severe temper outbursts (verbal or behavioral), on average, three or more times per week

Outbursts and tantrums that have been ongoing for at least 12 months

Chronically irritable or angry mood most of the day, nearly every day

Trouble functioning due to irritability in more than one setting, such as at home, at school, or with peers

》Youth with DMDD are typically diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 10. To be diagnosed with DMDD, a child must have experienced symptoms steadily for 12 or more months.

》Before DMDD became an official diagnosis in 2013, most children with DMDD were misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder.

》Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a relatively new diagnosis, so research is lacking to determine just how common it is. Early research shows that it may affect around 2% to 5% of children in the U.S.

》As DMDD is a relatively new diagnosis, researchers don't have much insight into what causes it. Like oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and bipolar disorder (BD), DMDD likely develops from a complex combination of biological, genetic and environmental factors.

》As DMDD is a newly recognized condition, there haven't been many research studies on its treatment. Current treatments are mainly based on research focused on other childhood conditions associated with irritability, such as anxiety and ADHD. The good news is that many of these treatments also work for DMDD.

》The two main treatment options for DMDD are psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications. In many cases, healthcare providers recommend psychotherapy first before trying medications.

》If you think your child has DMDD, they should see a mental health professional and receive treatment. DMDD can impair your child's quality of life and school performance. It can also negatively affect relationships with family members and friends.