Ethical Considerations of Off-Label Prescribing in Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder.

AbstractDisruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD), a relatively new diagnosis in child and adolescent psychiatry that remains without medications approved for its indication, warrants a renewed consideration of the ethics surrounding the off-label use of medications. In the absence of empirical studies, clinicians must work with the best available information regarding treatment, such as case reports demonstrating the success of off-label interventions. Although subject to ethical limitations and the risk-benefit profile of each medication, increased use of this approach in the treatment of DMDD is warranted.