Your child is having enormous tantrums exceeding typical ones. You feel exhausted, frustrated and are attempting to discover the true source.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder might be what you’re encountering. It’s more widespread than many people assume. Though most people might not have heard of it.
So let’s get into what causes DMDD and why it happens.
DMDD Basics
Normally, the DMDD age range is between 6 and 18 years old. That’s when it appears.
We are referring to a degree of irritability and outbursts that are entirely disproportionate to the given circumstances.
And this isn’t simply having a rough day or typical teenage moodiness.
Here’s the thing with DMDD diagnosis criteria.
Here’s the DSM 5 criteria for DMDD. The symptoms must have persisted for more than one year.
Outbursts occur at least three times each week. In the intervals between these episodes, the child generally remains irritable or angry for the majority of the day, most days.
What Causes DMDD?
Nobody has all the answers yet on DMDD causes. It’s complicated because there’s usually more than one thing going on:
Brain and Biology:
- Something different in how their brain handles emotions
- It runs in families sometimes
- Chemical messengers like serotonin and dopamine aren’t balanced right
What’s Happening Around Them:
- A lot of stress at home
- Past trauma or really tough experiences
- Family tension or inconsistent rules
- Never quite learned how to handle big feelings
How the Brain Can Work:
- The emotional control centers develop differently
- The prefrontal cortex (the impulse control part) struggles
- Their stress response system is off
The Signs
Getting a DMDD diagnosis starts with spotting the patterns. These aren’t occasional bad moods or one-off meltdowns.
Look for these red flags:
- Severe temper outbursts multiple times a week
- Persistent grouchy or angry mood between outbursts
- Struggles at school, at home, or with friends
- Reactions that blow way past what the situation calls for
- Behavior that’s been consistent for months, not just a phase
DMDD Treatment Options
Good news here. DMDD treatment really does help. A solid DMDD treatment plan usually combines a few things:
DMDD therapy is huge:
- CBT so kids learn better coping tools
- Parent training (because you need strategies too)
- Help with social skills
DMDD medications might be part of it:
- Stimulants, if ADHD is also in the picture
- Antidepressants to level out mood
- Sometimes mood stabilizers
Every child can be different. What works for one might not work for another, so plans get adjusted along the way.
Moving Forward
More DMDD awareness means families realize they’re not alone in this. If you think your child has DMDD, get them evaluated. Sooner is better.
This isn’t about you failing as a parent or your kid just being difficult on purpose.
DMDD is real, and DMDD treatment actually works. Kids can learn to manage their emotions a lot better with the right kind of help.
Get Support
At Synergy Behavioral Health, we understand. Witnessing your child struggle is difficult. Our team knows DMDD inside and out. We approach families with sincere empathy.
We’ll build a DMDD treatmentplan that fits your family specifically.
Call us today and let’s start making things better.
FAQs
What age does DMDD really start?
Usually between 6 and 10. They won’t diagnose before age 6 or after 18.
Can DMDD go away with any form of treatment?
Rarely. Treatment makes a massive difference though.
Is this actually the same as bipolar disorder?
Nope. DMDD is like a chronic irritability. It’s without the manic episodes you see in bipolar.
How long does DMDD treatment take?
Depends on the kid. Most families notice improvement within a few months once they’re consistent with treatment.
