Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMMD): The Essential Orientation

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a relatively new category of psychiatric symptoms in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (5th Edition; DSM-5). Though commonly confused with the historical underpinnings of pediatric bipolar disorder, DMDD was created as a new diagnosis to better capture the core diagnostic feature: severe mood dysregulation. Cardinal symptoms of DMDD include severe and persistent temper outbursts and low-grade irritability that often escalate as verbal and physical aggression.  This training covers the history of the diagnosis, descriptions of symptomology, effective treatment options, and the role of community teamwork.