A mood disorder is a diagnosis given when the child does not necessarily meet a specific diagnosis of depression or anxiety. However, symptoms are usually significant enough to contribute to emotional and behavioral problems that are interfering with the child’s ability to function. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and distributive behaviors are often present. For young children, they may not be described as being depressed, per se, but rather are noted to be angry and argumentative. These children significantly struggle to regulate their emotions and control their behaviors. They are prone to frustration and often exhibit frequent meltdowns, emotional outbursts, and temper tantrums when denied their way. Although temper tantrums are very common among children, those with mood disorders significantly struggle to self-calm. Temper tantrums are very frequent, usually daily, and their outbursts may carry on excessively. Aggression, violence, self-harming, and threatening statements may be present as well, but not necessarily. Older children may be more prone to violence, destruction of property, and defiance.
Emotional disturbances usually are attributed to brain development and environmental circumstances, but often improve with age and intervention. Family-based intervention works best.