Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder: A New Diagnostic Approach to Chronic Irritability in Youth

• Published in: The American journal of psychiatry Vol. 171; no. 9; pp. 918 - 924
• Main Authors: Roy, Amy Krain, Lopes, Vasco, Klein, Rachel G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Psychiatric Association 01.09.2014
• Subjects: Anticonvulsants - therapeutic use; Antimanic Agents - therapeutic use; Antipsychotic Agents - classification; Antipsychotic Agents - therapeutic use; Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders - diagnosis; Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders - drug therapy; Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders - psychology; Child; Child & adolescent psychiatry; Child Behavior - psychology; Children & youth; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; Emotional disorders; Family Therapy - methods; Humans; Irritable Mood - drug effects; Medical diagnosis; Medical treatment; Mood Disorders - diagnosis; Mood Disorders - drug therapy; Mood Disorders - psychology; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychotropic drugs; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 0002-953X; 1535-7228
• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.13101301

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), a newcomer to psychiatric nosology, addresses the need for improved classification and treatment of children exhibiting chronic nonepisodic irritability and severe temper outbursts. In recent years, many of these children have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, despite the lack of distinct mood episodes. This diagnostic practice has raised concerns, in part because of the escalating prescription of atypical antipsychotics. This article provides an overview of the limited literature on DMDD, including its history and relevant studies of assessment and treatment. A case study is included to illustrate key points, including diagnostic issues that clinicians may encounter when considering a diagnosis of DMDD.