Ever since Steve was a toddler her was irritable, difficult to please, and often engaged in long temper tantrums with his parents and other children.As a child Steve continues to have anger episodes and outbursts, which are particularly pronounced when he is tired, hungry, does not get his way, or is being teased by other children.Steve most likely would be diagnosed with ____.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Steve's symptoms of irritability, difficulty in pleasing, temper tantrums, and anger episodes are consistent with temper dysregulation disorder with dysphoria, which is characterized by severe recurrent temper outbursts manifested verbally and/or behaviorally, that are out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation or provocation. These episodes are inconsistent with the developmental level, and the diagnosis requires that the onset of symptoms be before age ten. The other options do not fully capture Steve's symptomatology. Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder typically involve behavior that violates the social norms or the rights of others, whereas in Steve, the outbursts are not directed towards others, but are rather a manifestation of his dysregulation. Pediatric bipolar disorder may present with irritability, but it is usually associated with mood changes (e.g., periods of elation or euphoria), which are not present in Steve's case.

Ever Since Steve Was a Toddler Her Was Irritable, Difficult