While children’s moods and emotions can be very intense, they aren’t always able to express why they’re feeling what they’re feeling. There are all kinds of reasons why a child might have a persistent low mood and irritability. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a mental health condition in which children are distressed almost all the time and have frequent outbursts that affect their functioning in more than one area of life. 

DMDD is a relatively new diagnosis, but it is treatable. Parenting a child with DMDD isn’t easy, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Parent training plays an important role in comprehensive treatment for DMDD. 

In this article, we’ll share five symptoms and signs that may tell you your child should be assessed for disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). 

5 symptoms and signs that may indicate disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)

It can be hard for parents to know when to seek help beyond the family pediatrician. Children must have these symptoms for a year to be diagnosed with DMDD. A specialist must also rule out many other potential issues to diagnose this condition. However, you don’t have to wait that long to talk with a specialist. With early detection and intervention, your child has a much better chance of feeling better, sooner.

The following symptoms are signs your child may need to be assessed for DMDD:

• Severe temper outbursts that seem disproportionate to the situation

In DMDD, outbursts go beyond typical childhood tantrums due to stress, exhaustion or unusual circumstances. Children with this condition show a pattern of disruptive behaviors such as verbal or physical aggression and destruction of property. Defiance and disobedience are often aspects of this behavior, but it’s ultimately driven by severe emotional dysregulation. 

• Outbursts that occur in multiple settings

Children who have DMDD show similar behavior at home, at school and in social situations. It’s not limited to one environment or one area of their life. 

• Persistently irritable or angry mood between outbursts

Even when children with DMDD aren’t having an outburst, they have a lower baseline mood than other children. They feel angry, irritable or upset for most of the day, nearly every day. Depression and anxiety symptoms aren’t a part of the criteria for DMDD. However, many children may go on to develop these symptoms later on.

• Severe impairment in family, social or school functioning

Disruptive behaviors from DMDD may make it hard to feel like part of a community or develop close relationships. Children may have difficulty connecting with siblings or peers. Their emotions and behaviors may affect academic performance, and they may lead to negative consequences such as being sent home or suspended from school.

• No periods of elevated or manic mood episodes

If a child shows persistent negative moods but they’re punctuated by periods of high energy and elevated mood, they may have bipolar disorder. These manic or hypomanic episodes are not typical of children with DMDD. 

When should I seek a professional evaluation for DMDD?

DMDD involves severe temper outbursts occurring at least three times per week, with persistently irritable mood lasting for at least 12 months, with no period of less than three months without symptoms. The symptoms appear in at least two settings (home, school, with peers), and symptoms are severe in at least one. Most children start showing symptoms of DMDD between ages 6 and 10. It can’t be diagnosed before age 6 or after age 18. Onset must occur before they turn 10. If your child has more than a couple of these symptoms and they’ve persisted for more than even a couple of months, it’s a good idea to seek an assessment. Even if it’s not DMDD, a licensed clinician may be able to help you find an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Establishing a relationship with a specialist early on may help your child get the help they need if they are eventually diagnosed with DMDD.

Finding a licensed clinician who can help your child and your family can be a challenge in itself. You’re doing the right thing by educating yourself. Tracking your child’s moods and symptoms is one way you can prepare yourself to have better conversations with licensed clinicians. Note when each symptom started and how frequently it’s happened. It may help to journal about specific episodes as they happen.

Do you have a teen with a history of DMDD who needs mental health treatment? At Lightfully Teen, we support the whole family. Please contact us with any questions or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team today.