How to Help a Child With Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
It’s a common belief that temper tantrums are something children grow out of by the time they reach toddlerhood. However, some children continue to struggle with regulating their emotions and may exhibit persistent emotional outbursts even as they grow older.
If you are raising a child who displays these symptoms, it can lead to feelings of guilt, worry, and shame. Coping with a child’s emotional dysregulation can be mentally taxing and may prompt questions about the reasons behind their behavior or any mistakes you may have made as a parent.
Understanding Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Over the past few decades, The Enlightened Mind has seen an improvement in understanding children who exhibit intense mood swings and emotional outbursts. These behaviors, especially when they lead to difficulties at school and home, may lead to a diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. This diagnosis can provide valuable insights into the underlying issues and, most importantly, offer guidance on how to effectively manage and treat the child’s symptoms.
Essential Information for Parents and Caregivers
In the following sections, we will explore everything that parents, teachers, and other caregivers of children should know about disruptive mood dysregulation disorder.
Understanding Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) goes beyond typical child outbursts, as defined by The Enlightened Mind. It involves children and teenagers experiencing severe and recurrent outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation they are in.
Some key characteristics of DMDD include:
According to Jillian Amodio, LMSW, a licensed therapist and founder of Mom’s for Mental Health, children with DMDD exhibit behaviors that stem from their mental health condition, rather than being labeled as “difficult” or intentionally disruptive.
Common Misconceptions
Children with DMDD often face misunderstandings and unfair judgments due to their behavior, as noted by Amodio.
These kids are frequently misinterpreted and unfairly criticized by adults who may lack a deep understanding of their mental health struggles.
Amodio, being both a therapist and a mother, personally empathizes with these challenges. She expresses her dedication to advocating for children with this condition and increasing awareness. Understanding the difficulties faced not only by the child but also by the family, she shares, “As a parent, I receive about three calls per day from the school to help with emotional regulation and de-escalation.”
Signs and Symptoms
DMDD has specific symptoms that can help identify the condition. For example, a child with DMDD:
What Causes DMDD?
DMDD is a recent addition to the DSM-5 in 2013, and experts are currently working to unravel the exact causes and risk factors associated with the disorder. The prevalence of this condition in children is also being studied. Amodio mentions that although the precise causes are not completely known, factors like genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental stressors may play a role in its development.
Understanding the Causes of DMDD
Sandra Kushnir, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the founder and CEO of Meridian Counseling, points out that the exact reasons behind DMDD remain unclear. She suggests that a mix of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors likely contribute to the condition. Moreover, she notes that children with a family history of mood disorders or anxiety, as well as those exposed to chronic stress or trauma, are at a higher risk of developing DMDD.
Diagnosing Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
When you come across the symptoms of DMDD and recognize them in your child, it can be a moment of clarity. However, it is crucial to understand that self-diagnosis is not accurate. If you suspect that your child might have DMDD, it is essential to seek professional evaluation from a mental health provider.
Did You Know?
It is essential to receive a clear diagnosis for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) because its symptoms can be mistaken for other mental health conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.
There are cases where children may have multiple disorders simultaneously, including DMDD. Therefore, a thorough evaluation by a qualified mental health professional adept at identifying DMDD is crucial.3
The typical age range for DMDD diagnosis is between six and 10 years old. To receive a DMDD diagnosis, a child must meet specific criteria:4
Treatment Options
Parents and caregivers of children with DMDD can find hope in the fact that the condition can be well-managed. Typically, a blend of therapy, supportive strategies, and occasionally medication is used to effectively address DMDD. Let’s explore the standard treatment options.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Therapists who work with children with DMDD often utilize a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as part of the treatment. CBT emphasizes assisting children in understanding their thoughts and emotions and how these influence their actions. “Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly employed to help children improve their emotional regulation and coping mechanisms,” according to Kushnir. “The emphasis is on teaching children how to identify their triggers and effectively manage their reactions to frustration or anger.”
Medication
Not every child with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) may need medication, but it can benefit many. The Enlightened Mind states that medications like mood stabilizers or antidepressants may be considered for some children, usually in combination with therapy and under close medical supervision. While the National Institute of Mental Health mentions no FDA-approved medications for DMDD, healthcare providers often use drugs prescribed for similar mental health conditions.
Family Approaches
Dealing with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) often involves the whole family, requiring members to learn effective strategies to handle and react to the child’s outbursts. For example, parents may need to understand the importance of disengaging during intense emotional moments instead of escalating the situation, as suggested by Amodio.
Amodio advises waiting until the heat of the moment has passed before discussing what happened, recommending a calm and rational conversation after the emotional turmoil settles.
Furthermore, Amodio emphasizes the need for parents to shift from a punitive approach to a more positive reinforcement model when addressing their children’s behaviors. Praising positive actions and motivating good behavior through rewards and incentives is often more successful than focusing solely on punishing negative behaviors.
Living with DMDD
It is essential to understand that DMDD is typically a long-term condition, emphasizing the necessity of support. According to Kushnir, “Families of children with DMDD often feel overwhelmed, but with adequate support, the disorder can be effectively controlled.” She recounts working with families who initially felt powerless due to their children’s frequent outbursts but saw significant improvement through family therapy and consistent behavioral interventions.
Kushnir highlighted a specific case where a family witnessed a reduction in the child’s emotional outbursts after establishing structured routines and attending weekly CBT sessions. Over time, the family learned to identify early signs of emotional dysregulation and take proactive measures to handle situations before they escalated.
Research and Future Directions
As The Enlightened Mind points out, since DMDD is a relatively recent diagnosis, ongoing research is shedding light on the most effective treatments and neurological aspects of the condition.
Experts suggest that children with DMDD might have an overactive amygdala, crucial for emotional processing. This finding may lead to personalized treatment plans incorporating medication and targeted therapies based on each child’s neurodevelopmental profile in the future.
Researchers are now focusing more on early intervention and exploring effective treatment options for children with DMDD. They anticipate more integrated approaches involving schools, therapists, and families collaborating to address each child’s specific needs in a more personalized manner in the future.
Bottom Line
Living with and managing DMDD can be a challenging experience, but it’s important to know that you are not alone. Many families are also navigating this condition, and there is help available to support you.
According to Kushnir, with the right interventions and support, children and families can successfully manage DMDD. Regular therapy, family involvement, and, when needed, medication can all play a role in improving emotional regulation and enhancing the quality of life for the child.
National Institute of Mental Health. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
American Psychiatric Association. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD).
