HOMESTUDY: A Neuropsychological Approach to Understanding, Evaluating, and Treating DMDD - Sam Goldstein, Ph.D., ABPdN - 3 CEs

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a childhood diagnosis first introduced in the DSM-5 in 2013. It was developed to address concerns over children being misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder—many of whom did not grow into adults with that condition. DMDD involves more than typical moodiness; it is marked by severe emotional dysregulation, with symptoms starting before age 10. Children under six should not be diagnosed. Core features include persistently irritable or angry mood most of the day, nearly every day, and severe, recurrent temper outbursts that last for extended periods. These symptoms must be present for at least 12 months and cause impairment in at least one setting. Due to its recent classification, research on DMDD is still limited. Preliminary findings suggest a high risk for future psychiatric disorders in adulthood, even more so than in other childhood diagnoses. Treatment typically mirrors approaches used for related disorders, but outcomes vary, and many children are prescribed multiple medications with mixed results. Counseling may help improve emotional understanding and coping skills. There is no specific IDEIA category for DMDD in schools, posing challenges for school psychologists when students act out. Fewer than 50 studies on DMDD exist, many of which are summaries or opinion pieces. This workshop will review the history and rationale for the DMDD diagnosis, provide guidelines for multidisciplinary assessment, and explore evolving treatment and educational strategies, especially in school settings. Objectives: Demonstrate understanding and evaluation of youth with suspected DMDD. Apply knowledge of mood disorders in neuropsychological evaluations. Create appropriate treatment plans and goals for youth with DMDD.