Affective dysregulation is the terms used to describe a severe and persistent inability to control one’s mood states. Children with affective dysregulation have an impaired ability to filter and process the sensory information presented to them. Affective dysregulation is often accompanied by explosive and unpredictable episodes of out of control behavior. One of the most common reasons for referral to a child psychiatrist is out-of-control behavior. This could be due to a number of reasons such as bipolar disorder, depression, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, anxiety disorders (including post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), alcohol and substance use disorders. In addition, pervasive developmental disorders can present with such behaviors.

At our program, we first identify and then assess the underlying reasons for these behaviors, leaidng to a better udnerstanding of the individual child''s presentation. This allows for a more specific and effective treatment plan that focuses on a multidisciplinary team approach and includes medications, individual therapy, family intervention and educational assistance.