poissaolohäiriöt

Poissaolohäiriöt, known in English as Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), is a mental health condition that affects children and adolescents. It is characterized by persistent and severe irritability and frequent temper outbursts. These outbursts are disproportionate to the situation in intensity or duration and occur, on average, three or more times per week. Between outbursts, the child's mood is persistently irritable or angry most of the day, nearly every day.

The diagnosis of DMDD requires that these symptoms are present for at least 12 months, and they must manifest in at least two different settings (e.g., at home, at school). The outbursts and irritable mood must be evident in at least one of these settings. The onset of the disorder typically occurs before the age of 10, and it is not diagnosed in individuals over 18 years old.

DMDD is often confused with other conditions, such as bipolar disorder, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, key distinctions exist. Unlike bipolar disorder, DMDD does not involve distinct manic or hypomanic episodes. While there is overlap with ODD, DMDD specifically includes the chronic irritability and severe temper tantrums as core features, which are not always present in ODD.

The causes of DMDD are not fully understood but are thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Treatment typically involves a combination of psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and parent management training, and sometimes medication to manage symptoms like irritability and mood swings. Early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan are important for managing DMDD and improving outcomes for affected children.