Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Childhood bipolar disorder has a new name — “intended to address issues of over-diagnosis and over-treatment of bipolar disorder in children.” This can be diagnosed in children up to age 18 years who exhibit persistent irritability and frequent episodes of extreme behavioral dyscontrol (e.g., they are out of control).
The new condition would apply to children who have chronic irritability, as well as recurrent temper outbursts - three or more times a week, on average - that are “grossly out of proportion’’ to the situation the child confronts.
It can be as disabling to a young child as bipolar disorder, but would probably be treated with antidepressants, not antipsychotic drugs. As adults, these children would be more likely to develop anxiety or depression, rather than bipolar disorder.