Why Does My Child Have Temper Outbursts?

Does your child show severe recurrent temper outbursts manifested verbally (e.g., verbal rages) and/or behaviorally (e.g., physical aggression toward people/property) that are grossly out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation or provocation?

Are the temper outbursts inconsistent with developmental level?

Do the temper outbursts occur, approximately, three or more times per week?

Is your child’s mood between temper outbursts persistently irritable or angry most of the day, nearly every day, and noticeable by others in the child's environment?

Have the symptoms been present for at least 12 months?

Can you confirm that symptoms are present in at least two of three settings (i.e., at home, at school, with peers) and are severe in at least one of these?

Can you confirm that the diagnosis was not made for the first time before age 6 years or after age 18 years?

Is the age of onset of the criteria in questions 1-5, by history or observation, before 10 years?

While it is unlikely that your child has a disorder related to disruptive mood, he may be displaying one or two signs related to it. It’s normal for children to occasionally have tantrums or meltdowns. But when a child does shows things over and over again or is unable to control his temper most of the time, it may become a problem. The child may be distressed, and as a parent it may be important to understand the underlying cause. There are several possible causes, including disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, ADHD, anxiety, trauma or neglect, learning problems and autism. If you are worried about your child’s symptoms, don’t hesitate and seek professional help.

While it is unlikely that your child suffers from disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, he may be displaying several signs related to it. Temper tantrums are a normal part of growing up. However, if your child is having tantrums that seem out of proportion, are uncontrollable, or happen regularly, it may be important to talk with your child’s doctor. Continuous emotional outbursts are a sign of distress, and to improve symptoms the underlying cause must be known. Besides disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, regular emotional outbursts can also be a sign of ADHD, anxiety, trauma or neglect, learning disabilities, or autism.

Unfortunately, your child is displaying symptoms typically seen among kids who have disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD). It may be of high importance to seek medical support. The parents’ response to emotional outbursts affects the likelihood of the behavior happening again. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is diagnosed by a doctor or psychologist after thorough assessment. Treatment of this disorder usually involves psychotherapy/behavioral therapy, medication or a combination of both. A doctor should explore treatments without medications first. Treatment should also include parents. If the disorder left untreated, the disorder can cause anxiety disorder or depression later in life.