The effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral Therapy and Emotion Regulation Training on Irritability, Depression, anxiety, and emotion regulation in adolescents with Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is characterized by irritability and frequent anger attacks. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy and emotion regulation training on irritability, depression, anxiety, stress and emotion regulation in adolescents with DMDD.

This study was designed and conducted as a semi-experimental study (pre-test and post-test with control group). the statistical population was all students with symptoms of DMDD in Shahroud in the year 96-97. The sample of this study consisted of 45 male students with symptoms of DMDD who were selected in a purposeful manner. Emotional Excitement Index, Emotional Adjustment Scale, and Depression Anxiety Scale were used for data collection.

The results showed that cognitive behavioral therapy and emotion regulation training were effective in reducing depression, anxiety and irritability. The results of the post hoc test showed that the mean scores of the experimental groups in the studied variables were significantly lower than the control group. Emotion regulation training significantly was more effective in reducing depressive symptoms than cognitive-behavioral therapy.

The results suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy and emotional regulation training can modulate depression, anxiety and irritability in adolescents. Keywords: cognitive-behavioral therapy, emotional regulation, DMDD, irritability, anxiety, depression, stress