Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder – Signs & symptoms

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is characterized by frequent, out-of-proportion temper tantrums and chronic, acute anger.

A child or teenager with DMDD frequently throws temper tantrums that often seem out of proportion to the circumstances. Their outbursts could appear more prominent compared to those of their colleagues, and they might appear unable to control them.

According to research, children with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder are more likely to grow up with mental conditions like depression and anxiety disorders. Adults who experience this condition in their teens frequently experience socioeconomic problems.

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Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: What is it?

There are many children who may have difficulties regulating their temperm but that doesn't necessarily warrant a diagnosis. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), first listed DMDD as a diagnosis in 2013.

It categorizes DMDD as a kind of depression, as affected children have trouble managing their emotions and moods in an age-appropriate manner. As a result, kids with this condition frequently lose their cool when frustrated, either vocally or physically. They have constant and enduring anger between outbursts.

In response to psychiatrists' worries that bipolar disorder had been overdiagnosed in youngsters, DMDD was created as a diagnosis. The idea behind the disorder is that it differs from bipolar disorder's normal, episodic manic and depressed behavior by exhibiting significant mood dysregulation.

Even though it sounds difficult, children with this condition can learn to regulate their emotions and behaviors. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

While disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a relatively recent diagnosis, there isn't enough data to say how widespread it is. According to preliminary studies, it might impact 2-5% of youngsters in the United States.

The origin of the disorder is unknown, but research indicates that environmental factors are risk factors and may be more important in determining whether a child will be diagnosed with it.

The same study also discovered that elements like childhood abuse and a family history of mental illness can have an impact. Together with other diseases like oppositional defiant disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, DMDD may also co-occur in children.

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Signs & symptoms of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

The signs start appearing at an early age. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

Symptoms of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder usually start before the age of 10.

Children under the age of six or adolescents older than 18 are not diagnosed with DMDD by medical professionals. The following are some symptoms and signs:

• Extreme and ongoing irritation
• Strong verbal and physical outbursts, occurring frequently each week for at least a year
• Disproportionate responses to the circumstances
• Struggles to function due to temper tantrums and outbursts
• Hostile conduct
• Regularly breaking the law

Your child may struggle to make friends and develop close relationships if they have DMDD. With friends and relatives, they can be physically violent, and they might struggle to play team sports.

Patients do not experience the episodic mania that a bipolar patient might. A child with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder does, however, have an increased chance of becoming anxious as an adult. A doctor can assess your child's concerns and refer them to a mental health specialist with knowledge of treating kids and teenagers with DMDD.

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How is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder treated?

Popular therapy approaches can help children cope with the distress. (Image via Freepik/Freepik)

Treatment of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is to teach kids how to manage their emotions and avoid throwing tantrums. Behavioral therapy and occasional medication are used during treatment. Treatment has been found to be greatly aided by a combination of parent management training and dialectical behavior therapy for children.

The therapist in DBT-C does not advise the child that they should suppress their anger. Instead, they aid the child in learning how to manage their emotions when they spiral out of control. To assist their children and develop their calming techniques, parents should also study similar techniques.

Parents are taught how to praise children for positive behavior rather than focusing on their misbehavior, during parent management training. Medication to help youngsters control their emotions may be used if treatment is not an option or if therapy alone is failing. The most frequently prescribed drugs for DMDD are antidepressants and stimulants.

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All kids occasionally have temper tantrums, but if your kid is experiencing really bad ones that are difficult to control, happen a lot and appear out of proportion to the situation, you might want to think about getting them tested for DMDD.

DMDD can be a difficult disorder that causes serious issues in a child's life. If you believe your kid may have this condition, it's crucial to have them treated, as it can also increase their risk of adult sadness and anxiety.

Even though these temper tantrums can be upsetting, the right care can help your kid manage their symptoms and strengthen bonds with people at home, school and community. The symptoms of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder can be regulated with the right treatment and therapy.

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Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.

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