Which feature indicates that the reaction to situations in Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder is inappropriate?

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is characterized by persistent irritability and frequent episodes of extreme behavioral dyscontrol, which often manifest as explosive temper outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation at hand. The key feature that indicates an inappropriate reaction is the disproportionate nature of these outbursts.

When a child's reaction to a situation is inappropriate, it typically means that their emotional response far exceeds what would be expected given the circumstances. For instance, a minor inconvenience may trigger an explosive reaction, highlighting an imbalance in emotional regulation. This characteristic aligns with the diagnostic criteria for DMDD, which emphasizes how the severity and intensity of emotional responses in individuals with this disorder are markedly out of proportion to their triggers.

The other options do not reflect the core features of DMDD. Consistent calmness in all situations would suggest emotional stability rather than dysregulation. A quick resolution to anger would imply that the individual is able to manage their emotions effectively, which contrasts with the persistent nature of mood dysregulation seen in DMDD. Lastly, the absence of mood disturbance would be contradictory to the diagnosis since DMDD inherently involves chronic irritability or mood swings. Thus, the disproportionate reaction to situations is the defining indicator that