Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Common among children presenting to pediatric mental health clinics.

Prevalence estimates of the disorder in the community are unclear.

Rates are expected to be higher in males and school-age children than in females and adolescents.

Severe recurrent temper outbursts manifested verbally (e.g., verbal rages) and/or behaviorally (e.g., physical aggression toward people or property).

The temper outbursts occur, on average, three or more times per week.

The mood between temper outbursts is persistently irritable or angry most of the day, nearly every day, and is observable by others (e.g., parents, teachers, peers).

The criterias have been present for 12 or more months.

The diagnosis should not be made for the first time before age 6 years or after age 18 years.

The behaviors do not occur exclusively during an episode of major depressive disorder and are not better explained by another mental disorder.

The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or to another medical or neurological condition.