An expert opinion on the pharmacological interventions for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

Abstract

Introduction: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) was officially introduced as a new diagnostic entity in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), under the category of depressive disorders.

Areas covered: A comprehensive overview and a critical commentary on the currently investigated psychopharmacological approaches for the treatment of DMDD have been here provided.

Expert opinion: Behavioral and psychosocial interventions should be considered as first-line treatment strategies. When ineffective or partially effective, psychopharmacological strategy is recommended. Overall, pharmacological strategy should be preferred in those individuals with psychiatric comorbidities (e.g. ADHD). Indeed, so far published studies on pharmacological strategies in DMDD are scant and heterogeneous (i.e. age, assessment tools, symptomatology profile, comorbidity, and so forth). Therefore, DMDD psychopharmacological guidelines are needed, particularly to guide clinicians toward the patient's typical symptom profile who could benefit from psychopharmacological strategy.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder; irritability; pharmacotherapy; temper outburst; youths.