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Editorial: A Transdiagnostic Symptom Requires a Transdiagnostic Approach: Neural Mechanisms of Pediatric Irritability
1Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
Insights
Irritability is a common symptom in pediatric disorders like ADHD and autism, and is a key feature of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). This symptom can lead to significant long-term issues, including increased suicidality and lower educational and income attainment.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
Background:
- Irritability is a core symptom of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) per DSM-5.
- It is also prevalent across various pediatric conditions such as ADHD, ODD, depression, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders.
- Common presenting complaint in child psychiatric services.
Discussion:
- Irritability's high prevalence underscores its significance in pediatric mental health.
- Understanding the neurobiological and psychological underpinnings of irritability is crucial.
- Its presence necessitates early and effective intervention strategies.
Key Insights:
- Irritability is a transdiagnostic symptom in childhood psychiatric disorders.
- Early identification of irritability is critical for predicting long-term outcomes.
- Predictive value of irritability for suicidality, educational, and economic attainment.
Outlook:
- Further research into the specific mechanisms linking irritability to long-term impairments.
- Development of targeted interventions for irritability across pediatric disorders.
- Integration of irritability assessment into routine child psychiatric evaluations.
Abstract:
Irritability, a hallmark feature of the new DSM-5 category of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), is present in many pediatric disorders, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), depressive and anxiety disorders, and autism spectrum disorders. Indeed, irritability is among the most common presenting complaints in child psychiatry1 and predicts long-term impairments, including high suicidality and decreased education and income attainment.2.
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