Learn About Mood Dysregulation

What Is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a relatively new diagnosis used in diagnosing children and adolescents who exhibits frequent outburst, tantrums, or appears to be constantly irritable and angry. This diagnosis gives a more accurate picture of children who may have previously been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder but never truly displayed manic or hypomanic symptoms.

What Are Signs & Symptoms of DMDD?

The symptoms are DMDD is often marked with chronic irritability as well as severe and recurrent temper outburst. Tantrums are not the sole indicator of DMDD. The angry mood between tantrums marks the potential DMDD case. The mood of a child should be noted by multiple sources to confirm objectivity. Some children display anger with their parents but are fine in school.

Diagnosing DMDD

An irritable and angry mood across different situations and environmental settings is necessary for a DMDD diagnosis. DMDD may be diagnosed in children ages 6-18.

Children who suffer from DMDD exhibit chronic irritability. They have frequent outbursts that may manifest verbally or through physical aggression and occur at least three times a week on average. These symptoms must be present for at least 12 months or more without a break longer than 3 months and occur in more than one setting.

Residential Treatment Schools for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder in Georgia

DMDD can be treated with a combination of medication and therapy. Since this is a newly identified disorder, it may be difficult to get a diagnosis or treatment, but Hillside is ready to help you in Atlanta, Georgia.

DMDD treatment is individualized and generally consist of both medication management and behavioral therapy. Our treatment team consists of board certified child/adolescent psychiatrists, who will work with each client and their family to monitor appropriate medications to ensure appropriate dosage and effectiveness, and licensed therapists who will help the client and family with behavior strategies.

Contact us to learn more about our DMDD treatment approaches, clinical staff and how we can help you and your family today!