It is developmentally appropriate for children to demonstrate occasional temper tantrums and defiance.
Children act out for a multitude of reasons. Behavioral problems may be an external manifestation of underlying anxiety, depression, trauma, learning issues, or other mental illness. For some children though, consistent and extreme verbal and physical temper outbursts coupled with chronic irritability may warrant a diagnosis of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). Therefore, it is essential for a thorough assessment with a therapist to gain a comprehensive understanding of current challenges and symptoms.
According to the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is a guide that helps medical and mental health professionals make clinical diagnoses, warning signs that Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) may be warranted include:
Extreme recurrent temper outbursts often that do not correlate with the trigger or situation and are not developmentally age-appropriate. Episodes often manifest as verbal rages and/or physical aggression towards others or property.
On average, temper outbursts occur three or more times per week.
Mood between temper outbursts is consistently irritable and/or angry most of the day, nearly every day, and is observed by family members, friends, teachers, or other professionals involved in the child’s life.
These symptoms must be present for at least 12 or more months without a period lasting 3 or more consecutive months where the above criteria are not present.
Children typically present with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) prior to 10 years of age.
Raising a child with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) can be overwhelming and exhausting, making it crucial for parents to seek out support, education and guidance from a psychologist. Treatment for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is typically evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, parent training, and for some children, a combination of therapy and pharmacological intervention is needed. In working with a therapist at Metta Psychology Group, you and your child will learn key strategies to improve emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. Self-esteem building is also an essential component to treatment as your child learns to cope with the emotional and behavioral challenges Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder(DMDD) often presents. As a parent, you will develop confidence through learning ways to manage your own emotional responses to your child’s tantrums through mindfulness-based stress reduction, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and psychoeducational resources. Forming a therapeutic relationship will help build your child’s confidence, compliance, and successes, leading to a calmer, more harmonious home. In addition, our therapists at Metta Psychology Group believe in a collaborative treatment team approach and will work closely with other medical, mental health, and academic professionals to ensure your child is receiving the best treatment possible.