Disruptive Mood Diysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is not a well-known disorder , and that is due to being a mental health condition that is exclusive to children and adolescents. While this is not an adult disorder , when left untreated in children, they are at a high risk of developing depression and /or anxiety disorders in adulthood.
So what is DMDD?
To put it simply, it is a mood disorder where children and teens experience ongoing irritability, frequent or intense outbursts of temper. Youth that have been diagnosed with the disorder experience significant problems at home , school, and often with peers. These problems can increase their chances of hospitilazation and other mental health services.
Some of the signs and symptoms of this disorder include severe temper outbursts , either verbally or behavioral, that occur at least 3 times per week. These outbursts or tantrums have been happening regularly for at least 12 months. Being chronically irritable or angry most of the day for nearly every day and trouble functioning due to irritability in more than one place. Such as at home, school, or with peers . Children are typically diagnosed between 6-10 years old, but as they grow, their symptoms may change. For example, as they grow, they experience fewer tantrums , but they may develop new symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Perhaps one of the biggest struggles in deciding when or if to seek help is seen in the difficulty distinguishing if the irritibility is typical or severe. Children, like every other human that exists , can be irritable. Sometimes that irritability is understandable or justified and sometimes it is completely extreme or an overreaction…and this is still fucking normal. So the biggest factor is frequency, because they aren’t simply overwhelmed or hormonal, they can’t handle frustration. This difficulty in being able to tolerate the physical and emotional aspects of frustration leads to outbursts that are out of proportion frequently and consistently.
While a medical doctor, OT, and other professionals that work with children, such as teachers and counselors, can recognize the symptoms of DMDD, it is still a new disorder. resulting in a lack of specific or definitive treatments, and most are based on treatments that have proven effective with other childhood disorders such as ADHA , ODD, and other anxiety disorders. This generally includes types of psychotherapy and medications , with psychotherapy considered first. The most effective of these, so far, have been CBT, Parenting Classes, and medications such as antidepressants and stimulants,
The best tips to help parents and family to help support children affected by this disorder can be described as a common sense approach. First learn as much as you can about the disorder, talk to your childrens teacher, counselor or school social worker or psychologist, find ways to manage your stress and self care the fuck out of yourself , seek additional support and professional help, be honest and direct in communication with your chids health care providers and most importantly be kind to yourself. Accept and understand there will be bad days,good days, mistakes, and breakthroughs, and none of them devalue you as a parent. You are still a good parent when you fuck up.
…till next week
herewesayf&@#k!!! 