New hope for chronically cranky kids: therapy trial targets severe temper outbursts

NCT ID NCT02531893

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 8 times

Summary

This study tests two psychological treatments—Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpretation Bias Training (IBT)—for children aged 8 to 17 with severe irritability and temper outbursts, a condition called Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD). Participants will receive up to 16 weekly CBT sessions or up to 14 IBT computer sessions over 10 weeks. The goal is to see if these therapies can reduce irritability and improve daily functioning.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpretation Bias Training (IBT)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide the first psychological treatments specifically designed to help children with severe irritability and temper outbursts.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage study with no prior results for these specific treatments in DMDD. The therapies may not reduce irritability more than no treatment, and results may not apply to all children.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

IRRITABILITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITING

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States

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