Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a more recently discovered mental health condition affecting adolescents. If your child experiences frequent and lengthy stormy moods and often seems to get angry without a moment’s notice, they’re not just acting out for attention. They may be dealing with DMDD or other mental health challenges.
DMDD often requires professional help for proper management and to limit its disruption to a teen’s home, school, and social life. You can have your teen assessed for DMDD or other mental health conditions by scheduling an appointment with Family First Adolescent Services. Call us at 888.904.5947 to find out more about adolescent DMDD treatment and how we help families move forward with support.
What Is DMDD?
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a mental health condition that involves frequent and severe temper outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation. Symptoms of DMDD usually begin to appear before a child is 10 years of age, but the condition can remain undiagnosed for months or even years.
Getting a DMDD Diagnosis
Adolescence is a challenging period, and teens will get upset from time to time, even over seemingly minor issues. So, how do you know if your child has DMDD or if it is normal adolescent moodiness? There are several factors medical providers look for when assessing a teen for possible DMDD:
- Frequency of outbursts – Adolescents with DMDD have outbursts an average of three or more times per week.
- Duration of outbursts – Irritability usually persists for most of the day, nearly every day.
- History of outbursts – For a DMDD diagnosis, your child will have severe temper outbursts for 12 months or more.
The mood swings and anger associated with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder can sometimes look like other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or oppositional defiant disorder, so it is important to schedule an appointment with a mental health professional to get the correct diagnosis.
DMDD Treatment for Adolescents
There are three primary components of treatment after your child receives a DMDD diagnosis:
Therapy
A therapist experienced with DMDD can help your child learn how to manage anger, mood swings, irritability, and other symptoms of mood dysregulation so they are less disruptive to their daily life.
Medication
DMDD is sometimes treated with off-label prescription stimulants, antidepressants, or atypical antipsychotic medications. These FDA-approved medications are safe and can help your child feel calmer, more emotionally balanced, and less reactive. Stay active in your child’s medication management plans so you can be aware of any side effects they may cause.
Parental Support
A young person with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder can feel like they have no control over intense emotional outbursts. Along with medication and therapy, they will need your support and encouragement to follow through on the advice and resources they receive from their therapy sessions.
Parenting a Child with DMDD
Temper outbursts and chronic irritability can make parenting a child with DMDD quite challenging. It can adversely affect family dynamics and relationships. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the impact of DMDD on your teen and family:
Educate Yourself
Learn more about disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, reach out for support from mental health professionals, and learn effective parenting strategies from other parents in similar situations. While your teen is in treatment at Family First, we’ll provide parental education, family counseling sessions, and support groups.
Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations
Adolescents with DMDD need consistency and structure in their daily lives. You can provide this by discussing boundaries and expectations with your child and ensuring you follow through every time. If you are unsure how to begin this process, contact a mental health professional specializing in young people for guidance.
Stay Involved in Your Child’s Treatment
Although your child may not want to discuss everything they talk about in therapy, let them know you are available and willing to listen to whatever they would like to share. It is also helpful to assist your child with medication management by reminding them to take their medication as advised and tracking any side effects or improvements they experience.
Call Family First Adolescent Services for Adolescent DMDD Treatment
Having an accurate diagnosis when your teen is struggling with intense emotional outbursts and constant irritability can help them find peace. Reach out to Family First Adolescent Services online or at 888.904.5947 to schedule an assessment and find out if treatment at our South Florida center is right for your family.