DSM-5 introduced 'Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)' primarily to address which clinical concern?
- A Over-diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children presenting with chronic irritability and temper outbursts ✓
- B Under-diagnosis of childhood onset bipolar disorder
- C Distinguishing ADHD from mood instability in adolescents
- D Providing a diagnosis for adults with emotional dysregulation
Correct answer: A. Over-diagnosis of bipolar disorder in children presenting with chronic irritability and temper outbursts
Explanation
DMDD was introduced in DSM-5 specifically to address epidemiological concerns that children with severe, chronic, non-episodic irritability were being labelled with Bipolar Disorder (which requires episodic mood change). DMDD is characterised by severe recurrent temper outbursts and persistently irritable/angry mood (≥3 temper outbursts/week, for ≥12 months, in ≥2 settings), with onset before age 10 and diagnosis between ages 6–18.
Reference: Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry, 11th ed.
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