Discuss the reasons for describing a new disorder called disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and describe the criteria for this new disorder.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Sample Answer: Children between 6 and 18 were being described with bipolar disorder at alarming rates despite not showing any evidence of periods of elevated mood. Additional research demonstrated that these children with chronic and severe irritability and difficulty regulating their emotions are at risk for additional depressive and anxiety disorders rather than manic episodes. It was also recognized that this severe irritability is more common than bipolar disorder but has not been well studied. The very potent drug treatments for bipolar disorder with substantial side effects would pose more risks for these children than they would benefit. These cases also differ from more typical conduct or ADHD conditions as well. The criteria for disruptive mood dysregulation disorder include severe recurrent temper outbursts; persistently irritable mood between temper outbursts; being between the ages of 6 and 18; no distinct period lasting more than one day during which the full symptom criteria, except duration, for a manic or hypomanic episode have been met; and the symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or to another medical or neurological condition.