Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a childhood condition of extreme irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts.

DMDD symptoms go beyond a being a “moody” child—children with DMDD experience severe impairment that requires clinical attention.

DMDD symptoms typically begin before the age of 10, but the diagnosis is not given to children under 6 or adolescents over 18.

A child with DMDD experiences:

• Irritable or angry mood most of the day, nearly every day
• Severe temper outbursts (verbal or behavioral) at an average of three or more times per week that are out of keeping with the situation and the child’s developmental level
• Trouble functioning due to irritability in more than one place (e.g., home, school, with peers)