Depressive Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)

People who display symptoms of depression which cannot be categorized into any of the other specified categories of depression are diagnosed as having depressive disorder NOS. Although the symptoms of depressive disorder not otherwise specified are debilitating, they do not meet the diagnostic criteria of other mood disorders like Major Depressive Disorder, Dysthymic Disorder, etc. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) fourth edition has assigned the code 311 for depressive disorder NOS.

To accurately diagnose any mood disorder takes time, the process mostly consists of evaluating the patient and comparing the symptoms of depression with specific mood disorders. When patients display signs of depression like anxiety, mood swing, and lack of interest in activities that normally would be exciting, a physician would check if these symptoms are consistent with any other disorders and if not will diagnose the patient as having depressive disorder not otherwise specified. The psychiatrist will have to spend several hours with the patient under counseling settings to correctly diagnose the patient as having depressive disorder NOS.

Symptoms

Depression of any kind can affect a person's life drastically, their life can get unmanageable and this can lead to further worsening of the situation. According to statistics, over 50 percent of suicide cases are known to have been suffering from one or the other form of depression. This along with other incriminating factors like lack of interest in activities which can be debilitating has made identifying symptoms of depressive disorder not otherwise specified important.

Minor Depressive Disorder
This mood disorder can fly under the radar of physicians as the symptoms do not last for long. People with minor depressive disorder, however, have at least two depression symptoms that last over a period of two weeks. They will also showcase signs of depression like cutting off from family members and friends during an episode. Nowadays, physician's try treating depression without medication by suggesting meditation techniques and recommending lifestyle changes.

Post Psychotic Depressive Disorder of Schizophrenia
People who have just undergone a major episode of schizophrenia and are in remission will display symptoms of depression that are not consistent with other major depressive disorders. Patients showing symptoms of depression during the residual phase of schizophrenia are diagnosed as having depressive disorder NOS. Physician's will follow different depression treatment methods to help the patients deal with their condition.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
It affects women in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle and the symptoms will tend to disappear after the menstruation begins. Signs of depression in women suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder include prevalent sadness, insomnia, and in some cases suicide ideation. They will also showcase typical depression symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, food cravings, etc.

Recurrent Brief Depressive Disorder
Symptoms are identical to major depressive disorders but do not last for 2 weeks, the symptoms will, however, be prevalent for more than 2 days. People who have symptoms for 2-4 days once a month consecutively for 12 months can be diagnosed as suffering from recurrent brief depressive disorder which is a part of depressive disorder NOS. Patients will display classic signs of depression like lack of interest, withdrawal, sadness, etc.

To correctly diagnose depressive disorder not otherwise specified, you also have to eliminate symptoms that may be the cause of medication or drug use. People who already have bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder will not be categorized as having depressive disorder NOS. The treatment methods used for depressive disorder NOS can range from psychotherapy, medication and support from friends and family.