Table 1.

Diagnostic criteria for disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (APA, 2013)

Severe recurrent temper outbursts manifested verbally and/or behaviorally that are grossly out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation or provocation. The temper outbursts are inconsistent with developmental level. The temper outbursts occur, on average, three or more times a week. The mood between temper outbursts is persistently irritable or angry most of the day, nearly every day, and is observable by others. Criteria A–D have to be present for 12 or more months. Throughout that time, the individual has not had a period lasting three or more consecutive months without all of the symptoms in Criteria A–D. Criteria A and D are present in at least two or three settings and are severe in at least one of these. The diagnosis should not be made for the first time before age six or after age 18 years. By history or observation, the age of onset of criteria A–E is before ten years. There has never been a distinct period lasting more than one day during which the full symptom criteria, except duration, for a manic or hypomanic episode have been met. The behaviors do not occur exclusively during an episode of major depressive disorder and are not better explained by another mental disorder. The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effect of a substance or to another medical or neurological disorder.