DMDD/IED

Question 1

What is Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)?

Answer 1

A childhood depressive disorder characterized by chronic irritability and frequent temper outbursts.

Question 2

What age range is DMDD diagnosed in?

Answer 2

6–17 years old

Question 3

Is DMDD considered a depressive disorder or bipolar disorder?

Answer 3

Depressive disorder

Question 4

What are the three hallmark features of DMDD?

Answer 4

Chronic dysregulated mood

Frequent temper outbursts

Severe irritability

Question 5

How often do temper outbursts occur in DMDD?

Answer 5

Regular and frequent (out of proportion to situation).

Question 6

What mood state is present between temper outbursts?

Answer 6

Persistent irritability or anger

Question 7

What does the mnemonic DICED stand for in DMDD?

Answer 7

Depression
Irritability
Chronic dysregulated mood
Episodes of intense temper outbursts
Determine family history of bipolar disorder

Question 8

What percentage of children are affected by DMDD?

Answer 8

About 2–5%

Question 9

Which gender is DMDD more common in?

Answer 9

Boys

Question 10

Common comorbidities with DMDD?

Answer 10

ADHD
ODD
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorders
Autism spectrum disorder

Question 11

Why must family history of bipolar disorder be screened in DMDD?

Answer 11

Symptoms can resemble pediatric bipolar disorder.

Question 12

Key difference between DMDD and bipolar disorder?

Answer 12

DMDD = chronic irritability (non-episodic)

Bipolar = distinct manic/hypomanic episodes
If irritability is constant, think DMDD.
If mood changes are episodic, think bipolar.

Question 13

First-line treatment approach for DMDD?

Answer 13

Psychotherapy (individual, group, family)

Question 14

Medication classes used for DMDD target symptoms?

Answer 14

SSRIs

Mood stabilizers

Atypical antipsychotics

Question 15

Why are atypical antipsychotics used in DMDD?

Answer 15

To manage severe irritability and aggression

Question 16

Why is regular follow-up important in DMDD?

Answer 16

Ongoing monitoring for comorbid conditions and mood changes.

Question 17

What is Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)?

Answer 17

A disorder characterized by recurrent impulsive aggressive outbursts that are out of proportion to the stressor.

Question 18

Does IED occur in children, adults, or both?

Answer 18

Both children and adults

Question 19

What are the frequency criteria for IED diagnosis?

Answer 19

Verbal or physical aggression twice weekly for 3 months, OR

3 behavioral outbursts in 12 months involving property damage or physical assault

Question 20

How long do IED outbursts typically last?

Answer 20

Usually less than 30 minutes

Question 21

How are IED outbursts typically described?

Answer 21

“Adult temper tantrums” — sudden, impulsive, disproportionate.

Question 22

Examples of IED behaviors?

Answer 22

Throwing objects

Fighting without clear reason

Road rage

Domestic violence

Property destruction

Assaulting people or animals

Question 23

What physical symptoms may precede an IED outburst?

Answer 23

Increasing tension

Racing thoughts

Increased energy

Tremors

Palpitations

Chest tightness

Question 24

What emotional symptoms occur in IED?

Answer 24

Rage

Irritability

Anger

Question 25

Are IED outbursts premeditated?

Answer 25

❌ No — they are impulsive and not planned

Question 26

Are IED behaviors proportional to the stressor?

Answer 26

❌ No — they are grossly disproportionate

Question 27

Difference between IED and DMDD?

Answer 27

IED: Mood normal between episodes DMDD: Chronic irritability between episodes

Question 28

Difference between IED and Bipolar disorder?

Answer 28

IED: No manic episodes Bipolar: Episodic mania/hypomania

Question 29

Difference between IED and Conduct Disorder?

Answer 29

IED: Impulsive aggression Conduct Disorder: Pattern of rule-breaking and violation of rights

Question 30

First-line treatment for IED?

Answer 30

Psychotherapy (CBT, anger management)

Question 31

Medication options that may help reduce impulsive aggression in IED?

Answer 31

SSRIs Mood stabilizers Sometimes antipsychotics