The use of guanfacine (Intuniv XR) in the treatment of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder – Clinical experience from telepsychiatry

Abstract

Background

Disruptive mood dysregulation disorders (DMDD) is new to DSM-5 and represents children with rage episodes. Medical treatment is critical but few randomized trials. DMDD may be a replacement for the diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder noted in DSM-IV with a heavy use of atypical neuroleptics. DMDD reflects a more moderate treatment of these symptoms.

Method

Telepsychiatry referrals 6–9 year old children randomized into n = 12 = group A (11 males/1 female), n = 13 = group B (11 males/2 females). ANOVA not significant (NS) in age and gender. Group A received guanfacine (GUA) titrated to weight between 3–4 mg. Both groups received behavior support. Group B did not receive medications. Analysis by t-test comparison.

Results

Group A showed significant improvement in frequency but not in intensity of rage episodes (P < 0.05). Major side effects include sedation and gastric irritation. Dropouts from original sample of 22 per group were based on inability to titrate, cost of drug, inability to swallow pills, worsening of symptoms with addition of an atypical neuroleptic.

Conclusion

GUA is a possible treatment for DMDD but there are limitations requiring further study. Group B did show improvement reflecting the utility of behavioral strategies (future studies require control groups) but GUA may provide a useful alternative to neuroleptics. Cardiovascular issues were not a problem and were assessed. Future studies are warranted.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his declaration of competing interest.