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CausesDoctors and researchers have not concluded the exact cause of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. Some researchers have proposed that family problems such as divorces, moves, death in the family may contribute to the disorder. Psychological trauma or emotional, sexual, or physical abuse in early ages are also proposed causes. Alcohol and drug abuse during pregnancy may be factors. Neurological problems such as migraines may also contribute to this disorder. Furthermore poor diet, such as vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition, is thought to be a probable cause . For example, Vitamin B12, folate, and iron deficiencies may cause the symptoms of this disorder.
In one recent study, researchers looked at 19 children and adolescents who classified as having disruptive mood dysregulation disorder and compared them to twenty-three healthy youths. Both groups were given stimuli that could cause frustration. The DMDD group was shown to have more activations in regions of the brain that control aggression and inhibition. This suggests biological causes for the disorder. However, scientists also contest that unlike other disorders like Bipolar Disorder, there is little prevalence of the disorder in parents. Only 2.7% of the parents of those diagnosed with DMDD also had the disorder, compared with 33% rate in Bipolar disorder. |