Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder 296. 99 (F34.8)
Information related to Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder as well as the specific symptoms follow below. While some of these Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder symptoms may be recognized by family, teachers, legal and medical professionals, and others, only properly trained mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, professional counselors etc.) can or should even attempt to make a mental health diagnosis. A multitude of factors are considered in addition to the psychological symptoms in making a proper diagnosis, including medical and psychological testing considerations. This information is for information purposes only and should never replace the judgment and comprehensive assessment of a trained mental health clinician.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder diagnostic criteria 296. 99 (F34.8):

A. Severe recurrent temper outbursts manifested verbally such as with verbal rages and/or behaviorally such as in physical aggression toward people or property that are grossly out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation or provocation.

B. The temper outbursts are inconsistent with the developmental level.

C. The temper outbursts occur, on average, three or more times per week.

D. The mood between temper outbursts is persistently irritable or angry most of the day, nearly every day, and is observable by others such as parents, teachers or peers.

E. Criteria A-D have been 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 such as at home, at school, with peers, and are severe in at least one of these.

F. The diagnosis should not be made for the first time before age 6 years or after age 18 years.

G. By history or observation, the age of onset of criteria A-E is before 10 years.

H. There’s never been a distinct period lasting more than one day during which the full symptom criteria, except duration, for manic or hypomanic episode has been met. Note: Developmentally appropriate mood elevation, such as occurs in the context of a highly positive event or its anticipation, should not be considered as a symptom of mania or hypomania.

I. The behaviors do not occur exclusively during an episode of major depressive disorder and are not better explained by another mental disorder such as autism spectrum disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder [dysthymia].
Note: This diagnosis cannot coexist with oppositional defiant disorder, intermittent explosive disorder, or bipolar disorder, though it can coexist with others, including major depressive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and substance use disorders. Individuals whose symptoms meet criteria for both disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and oppositional defiant disorder should only be given the diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. If an individual has ever experienced a manic or hypomanic episode, the diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder should not be assigned.

J. The symptoms are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or to another medical or neurological condition.

Diagnostic Information and Criterion for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorders from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition American Psychological Association

Additional information by Paul Susic Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist