Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is chronic, severe, and persistent irritability in children and adolescence. There are two prominent clinical manifestations: frequent temper outbursts and irritation or a persistent angry mood. Frequent temper outbursts occur three or more times per week usually brought on by frustration. These outbursts last more than one year and occur in at least two settings. Persistent irritable or angry mood is present between the severe temper outbursts. The mood is clearly observable by others (e.g., parents, teachers, or peers). Onset is before the age of ten years.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is characterized by a consistently depressed mood and loss of interest or enjoyment in most activities over a period of two weeks or longer. Other symptoms include significant change in appetite/weight, problems with sleep, general fatigue, and feeling slowed down. Individuals with MDD may also experience problems related to thought processes, such as difficulty concentrating and making decisions, and having thoughts of hopelessness, self-worth, and death, dying, or suicide. MDD is typically associated with significant distress or dysfunction in one’s life, and can often be observed by others in a person’s mood and behavior. Individuals with MDD frequently describe feeling numb or having an absence of emotional range, and often no longer care about participating in leisure activities or hobbies they once enjoyed. Many with MDD may also become irritable or angry when encountering minor frustrations. Individuals with MDD tend to ruminate on past failures and engage in negative evaluations about their own worth and their future.
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia) is a form of chronic (ongoing) depression. Although symptoms of persistent depressive disorder may be less severe than other types of depression, they are longer-lasting in duration. Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) causes continuous feelings of deep sadness and hopelessness. These feelings may affect an individual’s mood and behavior as well as physical functions, including appetite and sleep. As a result, individuals with PDD often lose interest in doing activities they once enjoyed and have difficulty finishing daily tasks. The chronic nature of PDD can also make it more challenging to cope with the symptoms. PDD is primarily characterized by the presence of depressed mood on most days for at least 2 years for adults (at least 1 year for children and adolescents). During this period, individuals are depression-free for no longer than 2 months at a time. The symptoms of PDD include: persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness; sleep problems; low energy; change in appetite; difficulty concentrating; indecisiveness; a lack of interest in daily activities; decreased productivity; poor self-esteem; negative attitude; and avoidance of social activities.