Transforming the understanding
and treatment of mental illnesses.
Children go through many phases of development. It can be hard to know if a child’s behavior is a result of normal development or if it’s a sign of something more serious. Occasional outbursts are a normal outcome of being tired, uncomfortable, or frustrated. In some children, these outbursts can be chronic and explosive.
If you feel like you’re constantly walking on eggshells around your child, the study on irritability may be right for your child. Children who enroll in our studies have irritability that significantly affects how they function at home, in school, and with other children.
We are currently seeking to enroll children for studies on both irritability and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to learn more about research treatment options.
View the brochures below to learn more about both studies.
Are you walking on eggshells around your irritable child?
CRANKY, GRUMPY, MOODY, FRUSTRATED, ANGRY
NIH RESEARCH STUDIES:
Enrolling Children and Adolescents Ages 8 to 17
JOIN A STUDY AT NIH: Children who enroll in our studies have irritability that significantly impacts their functioning at home, in school, and with other children. Eligible children may be offered a diagnostic assessment, a new approach to cognitive behavioral therapy, or non-treatment research options. Child can remain on current medications. Parents and child must agree to the child’s participation.
Eligible children with an ADHD diagnosis may participate as a comparison group in the non-treatment options.
Do you have a child with ADHD?
NIH research study ages 8 to 17
Eligible children may JOIN A STUDY that describes the moods and behaviors of children with an ADHD diagnosis, and investigates brain function and irritability.
Participation includes interviews, research testing, and brain imaging scans conducted over one to ten outpatient visits. Child can remain on current medications. Children must be medically healthy and not currently suicidal, psychotic, or hospitalized. Parents and child must agree to child’s participation.
This study is comparing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to severe irritability in children. There is no cost to participate. Compensation is provided.
Phone: 301-496-8381
Email: irritablekids@mail.nih.gov
TTY#: 1-866-411-1010
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) is a condition in which children or adolescents experience ongoing irritability, anger, and frequent, intense temper outbursts. Our lab is studying and developing treatments for children with DMDD.
A clinical research study is often called a clinical trial or a protocol. Children must meet the study’s eligibility requirements, and parent and child must consent to participant in a study. Learn more about Clinical Trials at NIMH.
Melissa A. Brotman, PhD
Chief, Neuroscience and Novel Therapeutics Unit
Emotion and Development Branch
National Institute of Mental Health
9000 Rockville Pike, Building 15K
Bethesda, Maryland 20892
brotmanm@mail.nih.gov
Phone: (301) 435-6645