The Later Significance of a DMDD Diagnosis at Age 6

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is associated with later childhood problems in a small study controlling for other psychiatric disorders.

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), a diagnostic entity new to DSM-5, is diagnosed in children as young as 6 years old who have severe temper tantrums and persistent irritability or angry affect in various contexts for ≥1 year. These authors used data from a community-based, longitudinal study to examine the significance of a DMDD diagnosis made at age 6 for outcomes 3 years later.

The 473 children (54% male, 89% white) had assessments at both ages 6 and 9 years, consisting of child assessments, structured interviews with parents, and (at age 9) teachers' ratings. DMDD criteria were met by 36 children (7.6%) at age 6 and by 6 (1.3%) at age 9.

Results were adjusted for demographics and comorbid psychiatric disorders at both age 6 an…

Reviewing Author

Deborah Cowley, MD

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportHealth Resources and Services Administration; Katz Family Foundation

Deborah Cowley, MD

Disclosures

Grant / Research supportHealth Resources and Services Administration; Katz Family Foundation

The Later Significance of a DMDD Diagnosis at Age 6

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Reviewing Author