Learning that anger disorders in children exist can feel scary or overwhelming for a lot of parents. You might wonder, “Is this just a phase?” or “Am I doing something wrong?” You’re not alone in those feelings.
The truth is, there are real conditions that make it hard for children to manage anger. This guide will help you understand what anger disorders are, how they can affect kids, and treatment options that can support them.
What are Anger Disorders?
Anger disorders are not one single diagnosis. Instead, the term is used to describe mental health conditions where anger is a main or defining feature. Under these conditions, anger may be intense and can affect children in different areas of their lives [*].
For instance, a child’s performance in school can deteriorate because of the underlying anger that makes it difficult to concentrate or cooperate with teachers and classmates.
At home, actions stemming from anger, such as yelling or refusing to follow rules, can lead to frequent arguments. Friendships may also suffer if other children feel hurt by repeated anger.
Common Anger Disorders in Children
Three mental health conditions share a pattern of intense, difficult-to-manage anger that disrupts daily life at home, at school, and in relationships.
Understanding what each condition looks like can help parents get the right support sooner. We explain each one below.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
Oppositional Defiant Disorder, commonly known as ODD, affects about 3 out of every 100 children in the general population. In clinical settings, the number can be higher because many children are referred for help due to challenging behaviors [*].
Children with ODD show a repeated pattern of anger, defiance, and argumentative behavior toward authority figures. These include parents, teachers, coaches, and other adults.
All children test limits from time to time — that’s a normal part of growing up. What makes ODD different is that these behaviors happen a lot. In children younger than 5, the behaviors tend to occur almost every day. In older children, they happen at least once a week.
Here’s what ODD may look like: A child loses their temper easily, argues, and refuses to follow rules or requests. They may deliberately annoy others, blame them for their mistakes, and become easily resentful [*].
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, or DMDD, describes children who experience severe, chronic irritability most days of the week. They may have frequent temper outbursts that seem much bigger than the situation calls for.
For example, a child with DMDD may be told that screen time is over for the evening, which is a normal part of many households. They might respond by screaming, throwing objects, or becoming physically aggressive for an extended period of time.
DMDD is diagnosed in children and teens between the ages of 6 and 18. To receive this diagnosis, the outbursts must happen regularly for at least 12 months. Research also shows that early trauma, emotional neglect, or psychological abuse can increase their risk [*].
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)
Intermittent Explosive Disorder, or IED, affects children in their late childhood or early teenage years. They may have sudden, intense outbursts of anger, sometimes breaking furniture or getting into physical fights.
The outbursts can come on suddenly and usually last less than 30 minutes. They can leave both the child and those around them surprised. Many kids feel embarrassed afterward and are unsure why they reacted so strongly. They might say sorry a lot, which indicates they didn’t intend to hurt anyone.
IED tends to run in families. Research suggests that about 44% to 72% of the risk for impulsive aggressive behavior may be inherited. Being physically or verbally abused as a child can also increase the likelihood of these outbursts [*].
Treatment Options
While ODD, DMDD, and IED are each distinct conditions, their treatments share a lot of common ground. Therapy is usually the first step, in which the child learns to notice their emotions, manage anger, and develop healthier ways to cope.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the most widely recommended across all three conditions. In CBT, children are taught to look at how their thoughts affect their feelings and actions.
Working with just the child usually isn’t enough. Parents are an important part of treatment. Parent training and coaching are important parts of treatment, as they strengthen the skills children are learning in therapy.
Medication is usually not the first step for these conditions. However, it may be considered if therapy alone is not enough, or if another condition, such as ADHD or anxiety is also involved. Decisions about medication should always be made together with a qualified professional.
Resources
If you’d like reliable information about anger issues in children, the following pages are a good place to start:
