Background: DMDD is a new diagnosis listed in the DSM-5. Here, we aimed to present a retrospective analysis of cases with probable DMDD and their psychopharmacological treatment characteristics.
Methods: 200 patients complaining of irritability and temper tantrums were evaluated retrospectively. To differentiate those with probable DMDD; Young Mania Rating Scale, Childrens Depression Inventory, Screen for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Atilla Turgay Scale for DSM-IV-TR Disruptive Behavior Disorders scores were used.
Results: 99 patients were found to fulfill criteria for DMDD. 85 patients (87.6 %) were prescribed drugs. Most common drugs were risperidone, methylphenidate, atomoxetine, OROS methylphenidate, sertraline and fluoxetine in descending order. Females are more frequently prescribed SSRIs while males are prescribed other drugs
Conclusion: Because there is no treatment guidelines for DMDD yet, pharmacological treatment often targets core symptoms such as chronic irritability and outbursts of anger. İn this study female patients were more frequently prescribed fluoxetine while males prescribed more frequently other drugs such as methylphenidate and risperidone. Clinicians might determine more internalizing problems on female children and externalizing problems on males.
Key words: Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, irritability, temper tantrums, treatment
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