Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a relatively new diagnosis in the
field of mental health. Children with DMDD have severe and frequent temper tantrums
that interfere with their ability to function at home, in school or with their friends. Some
of these children were previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, even though they often
did not have all the signs and symptoms. Research has also demonstrated that children
with DMDD usually do not go on to have bipolar disorder in adulthood. They are more
likely to develop problems with depression or anxiety.
Many children are irritable, upset or moody from time to time. Occasional temper
tantrums are also a normal part of growing up. However, when children are usually
irritable or angry or when temper tantrums are frequent, intense and ongoing, it may be
signs of a mood disorder such as DMDD.
Symptoms of DMDD
The symptoms of DMDD include:
• Severe temper outbursts at least three times a week
• Sad, irritable or angry mood almost every day
• Reaction is bigger than expected
• Child must be at least six years old
• Symptoms begin before age ten
• Symptoms are present for at least a year
• Child has trouble functioning in more than one place (e.g., home, school and/or
with friends)
Some of the symptoms associated with DMDD are also present in other child psychiatric
disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. Some
children with DMDD also have a second disorder, such as problems with attention or
anxiety. This is why it is particularly important to get a comprehensive evaluation by a
trained and qualified mental health professional.
What To Do
The treatment for DMDD will be individualized to the needs of the particular child and
his or her family. It may include individual therapy, as well as work with the child’s
family and/or school. It may also include the use of medication to help address specific
symptoms.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a relatively new diagnosis in the
field of mental health. Children with DMDD have severe and frequent temper tantrums
that interfere with their ability to function at home, in school or with their friends. Some
of these children were previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, even though they often
did not have all the signs and symptoms. Research has also demonstrated that children
with DMDD usually do not go on to have bipolar disorder in adulthood. They are more
likely to develop problems with depression or anxiety.
Many children are irritable, upset or moody from time to time. Occasional temper
tantrums are also a normal part of growing up. However, when children are usually
irritable or angry or when temper tantrums are frequent, intense and ongoing, it may be
signs of a mood disorder such as DMDD.
Symptoms of DMDD
The symptoms of DMDD include:
• Severe temper outbursts at least three times a week
• Sad, irritable or angry mood almost every day
• Reaction is bigger than expected
• Child must be at least six years old
• Symptoms begin before age ten
• Symptoms are present for at least a year
• Child has trouble functioning in more than one place (e.g., home, school and/or
with friends)
Some of the symptoms associated with DMDD are also present in other child psychiatric
disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. Some
children with DMDD also have a second disorder, such as problems with attention or
anxiety. This is why it is particularly important to get a comprehensive evaluation by a
trained and qualified mental health professional.
What To Do
The treatment for DMDD will be individualized to the needs of the particular child and
his or her family. It may include individual therapy, as well as work with the child’s
family and/or school. It may also include the use of medication to help address specific
symptoms.
Quazi Imam, M.D.
Board Certified in Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Addiction Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Geriatric Psychiatry.
Board Certified in Forensic Psychiatry.
Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, NY.
Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist,Harvard Medical School Trained.
1833 W. Pioneer Parkway Tel: 682-323-4566
Arlington, Texas 76013
