Irritability Disorders in Adults: Diagnostic Categories Missing in Plain Sight?
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|March 19, 2020
Summary
Irritability in adults needs distinct diagnostic categories, similar to anxiety or depression. This research proposes new frameworks for adult irritability disorders to improve patient care and research.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Current adult diagnoses for irritability often fail to capture patients' experiences.
- Irritability is a fundamental human experience, yet lacks dedicated adult diagnostic frameworks.
- Existing diagnostic categories for irritability in adults focus on externalizing behaviors, mood, and personality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a new conceptualization of irritability as a primary symptom for adult disorders.
- To advocate for the development of distinct diagnostic categories for adult irritability.
- To explore potential diagnostic models for adult irritability disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on irritability.
- Clinical observation and case conceptualization.
- Proposal of new diagnostic frameworks analogous to existing mental health disorders.
Main Results:
- Irritability can be conceptualized as a focal point for distinct adult disorders, similar to anxiety and depression.
- Potential diagnostic models include Irritability Disorder of Adulthood, Substance-Induced Irritability Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder With Irritable Mood.
- Both state and trait irritability characteristics can be integrated into diagnostic criteria.
Conclusions:
- Further research and delineation of adult irritability phenomena are crucial.
- Development of specific irritability disorders will enhance clinical assessment and treatment strategies.
- Recognizing irritability as a primary symptom can lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective interventions for adults.
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