NRNP 665 Assignment: Patient Education for Children and Adolescents Assignment: Patient Education for Children and Adolescents

Introduction

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) involves persistent irritability and frequent episodes of behavior that is very out of control, with onset at age 6-10 years (Elia, 2021). In this paper, I will be educating about DMDD, which includes the sign and symptoms, pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, and community resources.

Sign and Symptoms

To diagnose, patient must not be before age 6 or after age 18 years (Elia, 2021). Sign and symptoms must be ongoing for more than 12 months, with on period more than 3 months without them (Elia, 2021). Sign and symptoms include:

  • Severe recurrent temper outbursts that are grossly out of proportion to the situation and that occurs more than 3 times a week on average (Elia, 2021)
  • Temper outburst that are inconsistent with developmental level (Elia, 2021)
  • An irritable, angry mood present every day for most of the day and observed by others such as teachers, parents and peers (Elia, 2021)

Pharmacological Treatments

DMDD is a newly added diagnosis in DSM-5. Currently, there is not enough literature that reviews the possible treatment options for the cardinal symptoms of DMDD (Tourian et al, 2015). Due to this issue, there is no pharmacological treatment that is FDA approved for DMDD. However, clinicians can prescribe medication such as stimulants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers that can handle symptoms such as irritability. According to Tapia & John (2018), these medications are used to manage the symptoms but not the condition.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

            According to Lovering (2021), there are three common nonpharmacological treatments used for DMDD and they are the following:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBTP – can help children cope with their feelings. Can also help kids respond to frustration and anger with the goal to control or reduce the frequency of outburst
  • Dialectical behavior therapy for children (DBT-C) – focuses on emotional and social aspects of living. Can also help them learn relationship strategies as well as personal strategies.
  • Parent training – a technique where they learn to anticipate aggressive behavior and work to prevent it

Community Resources

            According to Uran & Kilic (2020), families dealing with children with DMDD can get more information about the disorder, what it is and how to manage it, from organizations such as Mental Health America and National Alliance on Mental Illness. They (2021) also mentioned going to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, who has a referral treatment helpline and get information on treatment services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with children diagnosed with DMDD can be challenging. It would help families to learn as much information about the disorder and how to manage it. It is good to know that there are resources available.

References

Elia, J. (2021, April). Depressive Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Merch Manual Professional Version. Retrieved April 1, 2022, from https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/mental-disorders-in-children-and-adolescents/depressive-disorders-in-children-and-adolescents?query=disruptive%20mood%20dysregulation%20disorder

Lovering, C. (2021, September 27). Treating Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). PsychCentral. Retrieved on April 1, 2022, from https://psychcentral.com/disorders/disruptive-mood-dysregulation-disorder-treatment

Tapia, V., & John, R. M. (2018). Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. The Journal of Nurse Practitioners, 14 (8), 573-578. https://doi.org//10.1016/j.nurpra.2018.07.007

Tourian, L., LeBoeuf, A., Breton, J. J., Cohen, D., Gignac, M., Labelle, R., Guile, J.M., & Renaud, J. (2015, March 4). Treatment Options for the Cardinal Symptoms of Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder. Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 24(1), 41-54.

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