Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a childhood condition of extreme irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. DMDD symptoms go beyond a being a “moody” child—children with DMDD experience severe impairment that requires clinical attention.

Cluster Number:
Wiki Number: W066
Diagnosis: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
US Patients: 1.5% children
World Patients:
Sex Ratio:
Age Onset: Child or adolescent
Brain Area: under-activity of the amygdala at judging other’s anger or sadness; medial front gyrus and anterior cingulate cortex – lower
Symptoms: disproportionate irritable or angry moods or several temper outbursts weekly; poor stress regulation; one year or more
Progression: displays persistent anger against people and objects, often have anxiety and depression in later years
Causes: Brain areas above are important for evaluating and regulating negative emotions; poverty and single-parenthood affect it
Medications: antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers
Therapies: None listed.