depressive disorder nos not otherwise specified
Depressive Disorder NOS (Not Otherwise Specified)
People who display symptoms of depression which cannot be categorized into any of the other specified categories are diagnosed as having depressive disorder NOS. The following Buzzle write-up provides information on this category.
- Minor depressive disorder is one of the types from this category. It is difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms do not last for long. However, affected individuals have two to five characteristic symptoms of MDD that last over a period of two weeks.
- Postpsychotic depressive disorder of schizophrenia occurs in people who have just undergone a major episode of schizophrenia and are in remission. They display symptoms that are not consistent with MDD. Patients showing symptoms of depression during the residual phase of schizophrenia are diagnosed as having depressive disorder NOS.
- It might be diagnosed in case of a major depressive episode superimposed on delusional disorder, psychotic disorder not otherwise specified, or the active phase of schizophrenia.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder affects women in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle and the symptoms tend to disappear after the menstruation begins. Signs of depression in women affected by this disorder include prevalent sadness, insomnia, and in some cases suicide ideation. They might also experience typical symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, food cravings, etc.
- In case of the recurrent brief depressive disorder, the symptoms are identical to that of MDD, but do not last for 2 weeks. The symptoms might be experienced for 2 to 4 days once a month consecutively for one year. Patients will display classic signs like lack of interest, withdrawal, sadness, etc.
- To correctly diagnose this disorder under the code 311, it's essential to eliminate symptoms that might be due to the use of certain drugs. The diagnosis can be confirmed if the patient has the signs of depression, but it cannot be determined whether or not the symptoms are due to the use of medications or an existing medical condition.