Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

About Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a childhood depressive disorder introduced in DSM-5 in 2013. It describes children who have severe, recurrent temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation and inconsistent with developmental level, together with a persistently irritable or angry mood most of the day, nearly every day. Symptoms begin before age 10, and the diagnosis is not first made before age 6 or after age 18. The category was created partly in response to concern that many children with chronic irritability were being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, even though research suggested that chronic non episodic irritability more often leads to later depression and anxiety than to bipolar disorder. It frequently co occurs with ADHD, anxiety and oppositional behavior. Treatment approaches include parent management training, cognitive behavioral therapy that addresses irritability and frustration, school support, and in some cases medication for co occurring conditions.