DMDD

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) causes incredible stress, anxiety, and severe temper outbursts in children and teens and has parents, teachers, and caregivers struggling to provide guidance and support. Board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist Zev Zingher, MD, offers exceptional and compassionate care for children with DMDD and their families. You can get the help you need through in-office appointments at Zingher Psychiatric in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Richmond, Virginia. You can also choose the convenience of telehealth visits if you live anywhere throughout either state. Call or schedule an appointment online today. 

What is DMDD?

DMDD may initially seem like temper tantrums, but the two can’t be compared. A temper tantrum is an emotional outburst in young children who are upset by unmet needs or desires and are too young to express their feelings.

By comparison, DMDD is a psychological disorder affecting children and teens from ages 6 to 18. The condition causes severe and frequent temper outbursts that may involve verbal and physical behaviors, including aggression.

The outbursts caused by DMDD are way out of proportion to the situation that triggered them, and they’re not consistent with the person’s development stage. DMDD continues long after children develop the ability to communicate their thoughts and emotions.

What symptoms occur in children with DMDD?

Several criteria essential for diagnosing DMDD are included in this list of symptoms:

• Severe temper outbursts at least three times a week
• Angry, sad, or irritable mood most of the day and nearly every day
• Temper outbursts causing problems at school, home, or with friends
• Minimum age of 6 years old
• Symptoms beginning before age 10
• Symptoms lasting at least one year

Your child may have DMDD if they can’t go longer than three or more consecutive months of the year without symptoms.

How is DMDD diagnosed?

Diagnosing DMDD requires the expertise of Dr. Zingher because similar symptoms occur in other mental health disorders, such as oppositional disorder and bipolar disorder. 

He learns the details about your child’s temper outbursts, like their frequency and where they occur, and completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation.

Then, Dr. Zingher determines if your child has DMDD or another condition. He also identifies common co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety.

How is DMDD treated?

Dr. Zingher creates individualized treatment based on your child’s psychological, emotional, and behavioral needs. The cornerstone of DMDD treatment includes medication management to reduce specific symptoms and psychotherapy that helps children recognize and control their emotions and behaviors.

Parent education and support is also an essential part of DMDD treatment. Dr. Zingher answers your questions, teaches about DMDD, and recommends steps you can take to support your child’s therapy at home.

Call Zingher Psychiatric or use online booking today to request an in-person or telehealth appointment and get caring support for DMDD.