[DISRUPTIVE MOOD DYSREGULATION DISORDER - A NEW AND CHALLENGING DIAGNOSIS IN DSM-5]

Abstract

The year 2013 saw the publication of a new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the DSM-5. In this edition a new diagnosis - Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) - was added. It defines children suffering from irritable and angry moods with frequent severe temper outbursts. The diagnosis is included in the chapter on mood disorders and relates only to children. This diagnosis was suggested in order to prevent over-diagnosis of bipolar disorder and over-use of antipsychotics and mood stabilizers in children. Studies indicate that DMDD constitutes a more significant risk factor for the development of unipolar disorder than for bipolar disorder. To date, no specific diagnostic tools have been developed for this diagnosis and there is relatively little treatment experience. Since this disorder has a wide range of comorbidities, the treatment focus tends to be on treating the comorbidities and includes medicines, cognitive-behavioral intervention and parental guidance.