DMDD Detective
What does DMDD stand for?
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.
What does ADHD stand for?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
What is a trigger?
Something that happens or occurs that can make a strong emotion, reaction, or behavior more likely
Name one breathing exercise that can help your body calm down.
What is the first thing you should do when you have a problem?
A. Panic
B. Stop and figure out what the problem is
C. Blame someone
D. Give up
B. Stop and figure out what the problem is
True or False: Someone with DMDD is angry or upset all the time
False
Which of these can be part of ADHD?
A. Difficulty paying attention
B. Impulsivity
C. Difficulty sitting still
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
Which could be a trigger for frustration?
A. Being told to stop playing
B. Losing a game
C. Having to do difficult homework
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
Which strategy is most likely to help when you're becoming angry?
A. Throw something
B. Take slow breaths
C. Yell at someone
D. Hit a wall
B. Take slow breaths
You want to play with a friend, but your friend is already playing with someone else. Name one possible solution.
Name one thing that might happen right before someone has a big emotional outburst
True or False: A child with ADHD can pay attention sometimes
True!
What is a warning sign?
A clue that lets you know your emotions or body are starting to become overwhelmed
You're having trouble focusing on homework. Name two things you could try.
You forgot your homework at home. What are TWO possible solutions?
Which is more helpful during a big emotional reaction?
A. Yelling louder
B. Taking space and using a coping skill
C. Breaking something
D. Arguing until someone agrees
B. Taking space and using a coping skill
Your teacher gives you three instructions at once. You remember the first one but forget the others. What could help?
You're getting frustrated and notice your fists are tight, your face feels hot, and you're starting to talk louder. What does this tell you?
These are warning signs that you may be getting overwhelmed and should use a coping strategy
You're extremely angry and feel like yelling. Is it better to:
A. Try to solve the entire problem immediately
B. Calm your body first and solve the problem afterward
B. Calm your body first and solve the problem afterward
You're frustrated because you can't complete an assignment. What should you try BEFORE saying, "I can't do this"?
Imagine you are playing a game and someone changes the rules. You feel REALLY angry. What are three things you could do before reacting?
Your brain says, "I need to do this RIGHT NOW!" before you have thought about what might happen. What ADHD skill could you practice?
Pause and think before acting
Create a "Trigger → Warning Sign → Coping Skill" chain for yourself.
Example:
Trigger: Mom says it's time to turn off my tablet.
↓
Warning sign: I feel hot and want to yell.
↓
Coping skill: Take three breaths and ask for a two-minute transition.
Create your own "Calm-Down Recipe." Name four ingredients that help you feel calmer.
You lose a game and feel extremely angry. Give three possible choices you could make and explain which choices might lead to a helpful outcome.