Notes on Mood Disorders and Related Conditions

Developmental and Diagnostic Criteria for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

  • Prevalence

    • Most often diagnosed in children aged 6 to 10.

    • Diagnosis typically not made before age 6 or after age 18.

    • Affects approximately 2–5% of children presenting to clinics, more common in school-aged males.

  • Core Symptoms

    • Characterized by verbal and behavioral outbursts disproportionate to the situation, including:

    • Tantrums

    • Screaming

    • Shouting

    • Biting

    • Other disruptive behaviors occurring 3 or more times per week across at least 2 social settings (home, school, with peers)

    • Persistent irritable or angry mood present even when not in direct conflict.

  • Duration

    • Symptoms must be present for at least 12 months without a break lasting more than 3 months.

  • Considerations

    • Differential diagnosis needed to rule out various other disorders:

    • Bipolar Disorder: Defined by mood swings, whereas DMDD features consistent irritability without fluctuations.

    • Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Features authority-based conflicts unlike DMDD’s general irritability.

    • Other diagnoses to rule out include ADHD, MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), Autism Spectrum Disorders, Intermittent Explosive Disorder.