Answer for NRNP 6665 Week 3 Assignment 1: Prescribing for Children and Adolescents

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a recently introduced diagnostic in the DSM-5 that seeks to enhance the categorization and management of children who experience persistent irritation and intense temper outbursts that are not episodic (Mürner-Lavanchy et al., 2021). Children with DMDD often experience intense and frequent outbursts of anger, which may significantly disrupt their daily functioning in many settings, such as home, school, and social interactions. This blog offers a comprehensive examination of DMDD, including its symptoms and therapy.

Signs and Symptoms

DMDD is a disorder marked by intense episodes of anger, persistent melancholy, impatience, and exaggerated emotional responses. This condition impacts children who are six years old or older, starting before the age of ten, lasting for a minimum of one year, and resulting in challenges in functioning across various settings (Findling et al., 2022). Additionally, symptoms may manifest in other child mental diseases such as depression, bipolar disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. Additionally, some children may exhibit comorbidity, whereby they have a secondary condition, such as attention deficit or anxiety disorders. Thus, it is essential to have a thorough assessment conducted by a qualified mental health practitioner.

Pharmacological Treatments

At present, there are no drugs authorized by the FDA for the treatment of DMDD in children or adolescents. Healthcare practitioners have the authority to administer stimulants, antidepressants, and atypical antipsychotics in order to relieve symptoms. It is essential to monitor and report any side effects of these drugs to healthcare experts. Stimulants are often used for the treatment of ADHD and have the potential to reduce irritability in kids with DMDD (Brænden et al., 2023). Antidepressant medications, such as citalopram and methylphenidate, may be effective in decreasing irritability in children with DMDD. Atypical antipsychotics are used for the treatment of irritability, extreme outbursts, or violence.

Nonpharmacological Treatments

The standard treatment for DMDD generally involves psychotherapy, and in some instances, medication may also be prescribed. Psychotherapy is frequently the first approach used in the treatment process (Sheybani et al., 2022). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very successful approach to addressing anger and disruptive behavior. Additionally, parent training equips individuals with helpful strategies for managing irritable behavior, such as predicting situations, planning, providing predictable reactions, and offering incentives for good behavior.

Community Resources

DMDD.org provides a range of services, including support groups and research, to assist families in effectively managing the difficulties associated with DMDD. They provide pragmatic tactics, collective anecdotes, and online communities for assistance. Parents and carers may get relevant material, engage in research endeavors, and foster significant relationships via Facebook groups (Benarous et al., 2020). DMDD.org acknowledges the scarcity of research and information pertaining to DMDD and establishes a community for parents and carers to provide mutual assistance. By being part of the community, parents and carers may get up-to-date information, exchange expertise, and collaborate to enhance the well-being of persons with DMDD.

Referrals

A comprehensive assessment conducted by a pediatric healthcare professional may help identify the underlying factors contributing to a child’s behavior and give suitable recommendations for intervention. Additionally, one may inquire about obtaining a recommendation for a mental health practitioner who specializes in dealing with children and adolescents (Benarous et al., 2020). Such professionals may include social workers, community mental health nurses, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and community support workers.

References

Benarous, X., Bury, V., Lahaye, H., Desrosiers, L., Cohen, D., & Guilé, J. M. (2020). Sensory processing difficulties in youths with disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00164