Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder in Teens: Care Instructions
Overview
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a type of mood disorder. Symptoms include feeling irritable or angry most of the time, with frequent (usually 3 or more times per week), intense temper outbursts. These outbursts can be verbal, physical, or both.
DMDD starts before age 10. It can last into your teenage years. The symptoms of DMDD are similar to another disorder called oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). When you have DMDD, you may also have other disorders (such as depression or ADHD). Not all experts agree with the new DMDD diagnosis. Some say there isn't enough research to fully understand it yet.
There are no current guidelines to treat DMDD. But it can be treated based on your symptoms. Options for treatment include counselling, behavioural therapy, and medicine.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your service provider (like a doctor, nurse, or therapist), mental health helpline, or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Understand what causes your outbursts. Have a plan for how you can avoid or deal with these triggers. Sometimes, removing yourself from the situation can help.
- Ask a parent or your service provider to help you find a counsellor you like and trust. Talk openly and honestly about your problems. Be willing to make some changes.
- Ask your doctor about family therapy. This can help the rest of your family better understand you. It can also help your family learn how to communicate better. Family therapy is an important part of your treatment.
- Make sure you go to all counselling appointments.
- Talk to your parents or guardians. Let them know how they can help you work through your feelings. It's okay to be angry or upset sometimes.
- Ask a school counsellor or teacher what resources for support your school has, and use them.
- Find a support group. If you're interested, ask your counsellor to help you find one that might work for you.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You are so frustrated that you are afraid you might hurt someone else or yourself.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away.
- Call or text Canada's suicide and crisis hotline at 988.
- Call Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (4 p.m. to midnight ET).
- Kids or teens can call Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
- Go to the Talk Suicide Canada website at https://talksuicide.ca or the Kids Help Phone website at https://kidshelpphone.ca for more information.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your service provider, mental health helpline, or nurse call line if:
- You want to learn skills that can help you with DMDD.
- You want to see a counsellor.
- You do not get better as expected.
Support is available. In Alberta, you can call Health Link at 811 or use resources like:
Adaptation Date: 8/3/2022
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
