Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

More than 3% of the youth population has disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), which can cause problems when dealing with other people, work, or school. At Alamo Premier Mental Health in San Antonio, Texas, the highly trained mental health specialists screen for and treat DMDD to improve anger management skills and optimize mental well-being. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by phone or request one online today. 

What is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder?

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, also called DMDD, is a mental health disorder causing frequent irritability and angry outbursts in children and teenagers. While moodiness in kids is common, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is more intense and ongoing. Seeking treatment can support your child in achieving more appropriate behavior patterns. 

Which symptoms can disruptive mood dysregulation disorder cause?

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder can cause the following symptoms:

• Temper tantrums
• Angry outbursts 
• Angry or cranky mood most of the time
• Extreme irritability
• Problems with daily functioning
• Poor interpersonal relationships
• Verbal outbursts
• Behavioral problems
• Inappropriate behaviors
• Difficulty functioning at school, at home, or with peers

These and similar symptoms begin before age 10 and are often disruptive to a child’s daily life. They typically happen three or more times weekly.

What are the risk factors for DMDD?

DMDD may affect 2-5% of kids in the United States. Its risk factors include:

• Family history of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
• Major depressive disorder 
• Family history of depression or other mental health disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Impulsive behavior patterns
• Early trauma
• Abuse
• Neglect

However, its cause isn’t fully clear. 

How is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder diagnosed?

Diagnosing disruptive mood dysregulation disorder at Alamo Premier Mental Health requires a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation using DSM-5 criteria. Your child’s provider discusses their behaviors, symptoms, moods, thoughts, lifestyle, and emotions. 

They may recommend DNA-based testing (pharmacogenetic testing) to establish which medications likely work best with their genetic makeup. 

How is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder treated?

Your child’s individualized disruptive mood dysregulation disorder treatment plan may consist of:

• Parental training
• Family therapy 
• Stress reduction (yoga, tai chi, meditation, massage, etc.)
• Healthy lifestyle adjustments (diet, exercise, sleep, etc.)
• Medication management
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
• Other forms of psychotherapy 

Following up with the experts at Alamo Premier Mental Health routinely offers effective, long-lasting outcomes and an enhanced quality of life.

It’s also important to establish a regular routine, eat nutritious foods, stay active, and get plenty of sleep. 

Schedule an in-person or telehealth disruptive mood dysregulation disorder evaluation at Alamo Premier Mental Health by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.