These are a group of psychiatric conditions that affect the self-regulation of emotions and behaviors beginning in childhood or adolescence (< 18).

Mnemonic

Diagnosing aspects: emotion, consistency, intention, and severity. Every Child Is Special.

FeatureODDCDIEDDMDD
One-LinerArgumentative & DefiantViolates Rights of OthersImpulsive Rage AttacksChronically Irritable Kid
Key BehaviorArgues, annoys, blamesBullies, steals, destroysDisproportionate outburstsFrequent temper tantrums
Mood (Baseline)Irritable/AngryCallous/UnemotionalEuthymic (normal)Persistently Irritable/Angry
Key AssociationCan progress to CDPrecursor to Antisocial Personality DisorderImpulsive, not premeditatedCannot co-exist with ODD or Bipolar
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)Conduct disorder (CD)Intermittent explosive
disorder (IED)
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD)
EmotionAngry (persistent)Angry (persistent)- Angry during outbursts
- Normal when calmed
- Angry during outbursts
- Angry or sad between outbursts
ConsistencyConsistentConsistentIntermittent (each < 1 hour)Intermittent (each < 1 hour)
IntentionIntentionalIntentionalFeeling regret and embarrassed about outburstsFeeling regret and embarrassed about outbursts
SeverityNot severe (no violence)Severe (violence)Not severe (no violence)Not severe (no violence)