A 13-year-old girl begins to have episodes of temper outbursts that are out of proportion to the situation. Which of the following is a possible diagnosis?

Choice A reason: Bipolar disorder involves mood swings between mania and depression, but frequent temper outbursts that are persistent and disproportionate are more characteristic of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder than classic bipolar episodes. Choice B reason: Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is defined by severe, recurrent temper outbursts that are inconsistent with developmental level, occurring frequently over time. This diagnosis accounts for chronic irritability and is appropriate for this patient’s presentation. Choice C reason: Schizophrenia involves psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations and does not typically present with recurrent temper outbursts alone. Choice D reason: Brief psychotic disorder involves sudden onset of psychotic symptoms that last less than one month, which does not align with chronic temper outbursts.