Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
Chronic versus episodic irritability in youth: a community-based, longitudinal study of clinical and diagnostic
Ellen Leibenluft1, Patricia Cohen, Tristan Gorrindo
1Mood and Anxiety Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. LEIBS@MAIL.NIH.GOV
Objective:
Irritability is both a normal developmental phenomenon and a common psychiatric symptom in children. In psychiatric nosology, a distinction is made between chronic and episodic irritability. This study examines the validity of this distinction.
Methods:
A sample of 776 youths received Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-based structured interviews at three time points. Questions regarding episodic and chronic irritability were used to create scales measuring these constructs; associations with age, gender, and diagnosis were examined.
Results:
Episodic and chronic irritability differed in their associations with age. The longitudinal stability within irritability type was stronger than between types. In longitudinal analyses, chronic irritability at time 1 (mean age 13.8 +/- 2.6 years) predicted attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder at time 2 (mean age 16.2 +/- 2.8 years) and major depression at time 3 (mean age 22.1 +/- 2.7 years). Episodic irritability at time 1 predicted simple phobia and mania at time 2.
Conclusions:
Episodic and chronic irritability in adolescents appear to be stable, distinct constructs. Further research is needed to elucidate the longitudinal associations of each with specific psychiatric diagnoses.
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...
Bipolar Disorder
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Conduct Disorder
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:

