DSM-5: disruptive mood dysregulation disorder

This paper will describe historical perspectives for the introduction of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), criteria for the diagnosis, as well as information on epidemiology, clinical presentation and longitudinal course, pathophysiology, and treatment. The diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder requires frequent, persistent, severe temper outbursts out of proportion to the situation and developmental context in combination with persistent, angry/irritable mood between the temper outbursts. Because of the limited available data, the inclusion of this new diagnosis in DSM-5 has been controversial. Regardless of this controversy, it is clear that youth experiencing such symptoms are highly impaired and utilize significant health services. Therefore, we need to expand our efforts to better understand the complex construct of this phenotype in order to improve the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of this condition.