The Phenomenology of Outbursts

Abstract

Outbursts (severe temper loss) in children are a common reason for treatment referral. However, the diagnostic system has not classified them in a way that expands knowledge. Outbursts are nested in the concept of irritability, which consists of a feeling and a behavioral dimension. Both need to be identified but kept separate. This review summarizes the phenomenology of outbursts normatively and clinically. Severe temper loss needs a consistent label, an operationalized way of classification and measurement, and an assessment approach independent of diagnosis until other data are gathered to more accurately determine what condition provides the most accurate diagnostic home.

Keywords: Aggression; Bipolar disorder; Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder; Emotion dysregulation; Irritability; Oppositional defiant disorder; Outbursts; Temper tantrums.