DMDD Treatment for Teen Boys
Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch is a residential therapeutic facility providing long-term mental and behavioral health treatment for teen boys ages 14-17. We help teen boys diagnosed with DMDD, or disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, through a comprehensive, Christ-centered approach that includes therapy, adventure, structure, personal growth, and spiritual development.
What is DMDD and How is it Treated?
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a psychiatric disorder for children and adolescents, characterized by severe and recurrent temper outbursts that are grossly out of proportion in intensity or duration to the situation.
These outbursts can be verbal or behavioral (e.g., physical aggression toward people or property) and must occur consistently in multiple settings (such as at home, school, or with peers). DMDD is more than just the occasional temper tantrum or moodiness. It’s a serious condition that can significantly impair a young person’s ability to function in daily life.
Treatment for teens with DMDD includes a combination of psychotherapy, family therapy, medication, routine, and life skills.
We can provide a safe, therapy-intensive intervention designed to stabilize behavior, treat underlying conditions and equip teens for success.
Individual, Family, and Group Therapy Sessions Led by Licensed, Christian Therapists
Psychiatric Evaluation, Medication Management & 24-Hour Skilled Nursing
Individualized Academics with Support for Behavior-Driven Learning Needs
Immersive, Christ-Centered Environment Fostering Personal & Spiritual Growth
Understanding Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder in Teen Boys
Is your son having multiple explosive episodes every week? Does the severity of his tantrums seem to be disproportionate to his age or development level? Disruptive Mood Dysregulation disorder, or DMDD, is a psychiatric condition that can amplify heightened emotional responses.
If you find yourself feeling like you are walking on eggshells around your teen, or you are constantly trying not to provoke a physical altercation, you may be dealing with more than a rebellious or difficult teenager.
What DMDD Looks Like:
Frequent Anger Outbursts
Disproportionate Blow Ups
Intense, Aggressive Reactions
Refusal to Comply with Rules
Repeated Expulsions from School
Frequent Altercations
Low Frustration Tolerance
Rage Screaming
Oppositional Behaviors
When Is a Residential Treatment the Right Choice?
Placement in a long-term residential treatment program is a big step. It requires a long-term financial and emotional commitment from the entire family and should not be made as a default decision.
However, DMDD is a serious psychiatric condition that often impacts a teens ability to succeed in their personal and professional lives. Early intervention, diagnoses, and effective therapeutic treatment along with appropriate medication management can make a real difference in the teens long-term success in life.
Are behaviors severely impacting daily life?
When incidents begin to severely impact social, academic, or occupational functioning, treatment can help. The process typically begins with outpatient therapy, but if behaviors do not improve, residential treatment can provide a more immersive treatment experience.
Does the teen have more than one co-occurring diagnosis?
When more than one diagnosis is co-occuring, treatment becomes increasingly complex. These individuals often benefit from an immersive, residential treatment program that can tailor services to meet their unique needs. For example, if impulsive behaviors stem from past childhood trauma, a residential placement can support both root-cause interventions and the development of healthier coping strategies to stabilize behaviors.
Have outpatient treatment options previously failed?
For many, outpatient therapy provides enough support to overcome self-harming behaviors. However, if a teens who have previously failed with outpatient services or who have had multiple short-term placements, often benefit from longer-term treatment like a residential program.
Is there an immediate risk of danger?
If behaviors pose an immediate risk to the individual or those around them, placement in a residential treatment program can help keep everyone safe.
Have Previous Treatment Options Failed?
Residential treatment is often most appropriate for individuals who have not seen sustained success with outpatient or short-term treatment options. The immersive, long-term approach of a residential treatment center can provide enhanced structure and support to facilitate an intense focus on recovery.
Why Choose Teen Challenge Adventure Ranch?
We provide holistic therapeutic interventions designed to stabilize behaviors, engage teens in therapeutic treatment, address root cause mental health issues, and build decisions-making and academic skills for long-term success. We only work with teenage boys.
We address DMDD treatment by stabilizing teens with proper medication management based on individual genetics and equipping them with life skills for long-term success
Our six core areas of healing include:
- Clinical Therapy
- Individualized Academics
- Outdoor Adventure
- Equine Therapy
- Family Involvement
- Spiritual Growth
