Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Introduction

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a serious psychological problem that affects children between the ages of 6 to 18. The disorder is usually comorbid with other psychological conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression etc but is not the same. Therapists counsel patients and their families for long-term treatment and ensure prevention of relapse. However, the treatment continues for months and patients need professional attention.
Here is a complete blog on what is disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), what are the signs and symptoms of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). The blog also tells what causes disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and what is the treatment for disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.

What is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)?

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a psychological mood disorder that affects kids and adolescents. The disorder is characterized by persistent irritability, anger and severe temper outbursts. The intense moodiness experienced by young children sets it apart from other disorders or behavioural changes that are normal during childhood.

Common Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: Substance abuse or addiction to alcohol at a young age is the main cause of developing Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
Fact 1: False. People who do not consume any substance can also suffer from Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.

Myth 2: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is common among people who have a disturbed family.
Fact 2: False. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder can happen to people who belong to happy families. However, genes do play a role and people who have ancestors suffering from Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder have a higher disposition.

Myth 3: Mood disorders like Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder are a type of personality flaw.
Fact 3: False. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is a serious psychological disorder and not a flaw of any kind. There are many similarities between personality flaws and mood disorders but the two problems are not the same.

Myth 4: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is an escapist behaviour and is a sign of weakness.
Fact 4: False. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is a real disease. Just like other disorders, namely, depression and anxiety, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder can disrupt the normal functioning of an individual.

Statistics and Facts

Mental health disorders and mood irregularities among people are increasing among young adults. While COVID-19 triggered a 19% increase in anxiety and depression cases among adults, the younger population also bore the brunt. To address such problems, WHO (World Health Organisation) published multiple books to treat the problem.

Can DMDD be prevented?

DMDD cannot always be prevented because it can be caused because of genetic factors and environmental conditions. However, patients can be warned about developing such a condition so that therapy starts at the right time.

What is the difference between Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Bipolar Disorder?

• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder vs Oppositional Defiant Disorder
  The main difference between Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Disruptive Mood Disorder lies in emotional regulation, behaviours and diagnosis.
  DMDD involves persistent irritability and exaggerated outbursts that could be physical and emotional in response to frustration. ODD, on the other hand, is characterized by defiance wherein a patient could argue with authoritative figures and a deliberate attempt to annoy others. While DMDD is diagnosed between the ages of 6-18, ODD symptoms are exhibited in preschool.
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder vs Bipolar Disorder
  Bipolar Disorder (BD) typically develops during late adolescence or early adulthood. It is a life-long condition as opposed to DMDD which is diagnosed only among children aged between 6-18 years.
  Both disorders can cause severe irritability but in BD, such irritability occurs only during manic episodes. However, a person is emotionally stable between these episodes. BD also involves episodes of elation or depression, whereas DMDD is characterized primarily by anger and irritability.

Who does DMDD affect? How common is DMDD?
DMDD symptoms are generally exhibited before a patient turns 10. However, it is diagnosed only among children aged 6-18.

What are the signs and symptoms of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)?

To be diagnosed with DMDD, a child must be between 6-18 years of age. Here are other signs and symptoms of DMDD:

• Severe and frequent temper tantrums that include hitting everyone including elders and destruction of property.
• These outbursts must occur at least 3 times a week on the least expected occasions. However, slight variation is normal.
• Tantrums exhibited by the child must be disproportionate to the situation. Minor problems include exaggerated verbal outbursts when a child is suffering from DMDD.
• The outbursts do not die down and consecutive outbursts start to occur. Sometimes, patients continue to remain irritated even after an episode is over leading to another one.

What causes Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

Being a psychological disorder, there is no exact cause of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). However, there are many contributing factors like:

• Child’s natural and genetic temperament. Traits like moodiness, irritability and anxiety among such kids are common.
• Unchecked co-occurring mental conditions like ADHD or autism can also lead to DMDD among kids.
• Lack of parental support and emotional upheavals at a young age can cause DMDD.
• Conflict in the family and disturbance at school like excessive bullying.

How is DMDD diagnosed?

The diagnosis is based on DSM-5 criteria with symptoms persisting for more than 12 months. In the case of a child, parents must consult their healthcare providers and get input from their teachers and counsellors. This will enable parents to share every detail of their child’s behaviour with the mental health expert.
A thorough interview is conducted by the counsellor to correctly identify triggers and diagnose the problem. The disorder overlaps with various psychological problems Attention Deficit Disorder, therefore, a correct diagnosis is essential.

What is the treatment for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

• Psychotherapy
  Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an effective psychotherapy to treat Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. CBT addresses the thoughts that connect the behaviour, emotions and general attitude of a patient. Therapists aim to train children to tolerate and reduce their frustration and lower the number of outbursts.
  Therapists also equip children to identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms to control their anger. They are well-equipped and trained to become more emotionally resilient. Emotional outbursts are controlled and mannerisms are altered for a long- term relief.
• Parent Training
  Parental counselling and guidance are essential for a long-term recovery. Patients suffering from Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder have to be kept under check by caregivers, teachers and parents. Therapists teach them strategies to manage the patients’ irritable episodes effectively.
  Situations are anticipated at the right time and a child is warned about the triggers. In case the bout is severe, calming techniques are exercised to lower the severity of the situation. Such training to patients emphasises the importance of predictable and consistent responses to negative behaviour. Rewarding positive responses also helps in the long run. By combining parent training with CBT, a patient can recover faster. Families and therapists can work together to address the child’s emotional challenges at work and home. Healthier coping mechanisms are developed and relationships improve which enhances the overall well-being of a child and their families.
• Computer-Based Training
  Certain computer-based training techniques help treat Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. Various interactive digital platforms teach children skills for emotional regulation and improve their tolerance for frustration.
  Certain simulations and games help a child to identify and reshape negative thought patterns. For instance, role-playing activities help a patient to practice coping strategies in controlled situations.
  Parents can also benefit from computer-based training by learning how to respond to a child’s behaviour. They can learn consistent and proactive responses and aid their child’s recovery. The entire exercise promotes emotional resilience and makes a child feel better faster.
• Medication
  There is no particular medication for treating Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. However, therapists can prescribe medication to treat other related or consequential problems like depression and anxiety. For instance, selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors can treat depressive mood and irritability effectively.

Living with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

• Patients suffering from DDMD can feel uncomfortable because of their temper issues. Losing control repeatedly can cause distress and depression as there is severe emotional imbalance.
• Relationships will suffer because anger outbursts can affect a patient’s language and tolerance levels. Therefore, whether it is a friendship or any familial relationship, patients can go through personal upheavals.
• Work and studies could be affected. Patients with DDMD have a weak emotional quotient which makes concentrating at work difficult.
• Low self-esteem is another consequence of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. Unpredictable behaviour like anger outbursts tends to make people avoid patients.

How to Support Loved Ones Suffering From Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?

1. Patience is the key when it comes to living with patients suffering from Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. Young patients take time to understand what is wrong with them, especially disorders. Therefore, giving them time is essential for a complete recovery.

2. Keep their behaviour under check and correct their behaviour as soon as they are triggered. However, patients must not get rough with their kids or scold them. Certain times, kids do not react intentionally and may need some extra time to process a situation and their reaction.

3. Inform the school and teachers about the disorder so that they do not mistake it for a tantrum. Counsellors must be notified about the issue so that corrective actions can be taken promptly in case there is a problem.

4. Encourage patients to take therapy. Since there is a taboo attached to psychological disorders and taking therapy, patients must be made to feel comfortable.

Validation is essential so it reinforces the fact that psychological disorders can happen to anyone. Therefore, attend therapy regularly to feel better sooner and faster.

Jagruti Treatment and Recovery

• Tailored Treatment Plans
  DDMD is one of those disorders that can affect young kids more than older people. Therefore, therapy has to be administered very carefully. Therapists at Jagruti Rehab Centre ensure that every patient gets dedicated attention. Kids and adolescents are interviewed extensively but carefully to understand the cause of the problem.
• 24/7 Provision of Medical Help
  For patients who are suffering from other ailments and co-morbidities, having access to medical help is essential. Jagruti Rehab Centre has some of the best doctors and other medical practitioners on board. The rehab also has tie-ups with other hospitals in case there is an emergency and the patient needs immediate medical attention.
• Online and Offline Therapy Sessions
  Online and offline therapy sessions are available for patients. Patients who cannot afford to take some time off and take therapy can opt for the outpatient treatment program. Therapists at Jagruti Rehab Centre organise online counselling sessions for patients who cannot come to the facility regularly.
• Expert Medical Staff
  The experienced nursing staff is available for patients who opt for residential treatment programs. Patients who get violent need to be controlled so that they do not harm themselves. Nursing staff also ensure that prescribed medicines are consumed on time and monitor the vitals of patients regularly.