Adult Outcome of DMDD: A Mystery Yet to Be Solved

This chapter delves into the relatively new diagnostic category known as disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) in psychiatry. DMDD is characterized by chronic and severe irritability and frequent temper outbursts. While research has focused on the presentation and treatment of this condition in childhood, there is a scarcity of information regarding the long-term outcomes as individuals with DMDD transition into adulthood. With individuals diagnosed with DMDD typically before the age of 18, a 17-year-old diagnosed in 2013, when this diagnosis was introduced, would only be 27 years old today. This chapter aims to explore the adult outcomes for individuals with DMDD by drawing on research related to SMD, DMDD, and clinical observations.