title: Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder: a new diagnostic approach to chronic irritability in youth.
abstract: Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), a newcomer to psychiatric nosology, addresses the need for improved classification and treatment of children exhibiting chronic nonepisodic irritability and severe temper outbursts. In recent years, many of these children have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, despite the lack of distinct mood episodes. This diagnostic practice has raised concerns, in part because of the escalating prescription of atypical antipsychotics. This article provides an overview of the limited literature on DMDD, including its history and relevant studies of assessment and treatment. A case study is included to illustrate key points, including diagnostic issues that clinicians may encounter when considering a diagnosis of DMDD.
authors.forename: Amy Krain
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.forename: Vasco
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lopes
authors.forename: Rachel G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Klein
mesh_terms: D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007508:Irritable Mood / Q000187:drug effects*; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents