Other Specified Depressive Disorder

Other specified depressive disorder is a diagnosis within the category of “depressive disorders” in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), which is the standard classification system used by mental health professionals in the United States to diagnose mental disorders. 

As noted in the DSM-5-TR, all types of depressive disorders, including other specified depressive disorder, involve “sad, empty, or irritable mood” and other  symptoms that significantly impact a person’s ability to function. The types of depressive disorders include:

• Major depressive disorder 
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder 
• Substance/medication-induced depressive disorder
• Depressive disorder due to another medical condition 
• Other specified depressive disorder
• Unspecified depressive disorder

While most of these depressive disorders involve a detailed set of symptoms and specific criteria that must be met for a diagnosis, other specified depressive disorder and unspecified depressive disorder are unique in that they offer a diagnosis for individuals experiencing some of the trademark symptoms of depressive disorders who don’t meet the full criteria for any of those particular disorders, but who are still experiencing significant distress or impairment. 

Possible symptoms of other specified depressive disorder

Given the nature of other specified depressive disorder as a diagnosis, the exact symptoms can vary greatly from one person to the next, but may include some combination of symptoms common in other depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder. 

These symptoms may include: 

• Depressed mood, such as feeling sad, empty, or hopeless
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you previously enjoyed 
• Significant changes in weight or appetite 
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much 
• Increased physical movements or noticeably slowed movement or speech
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
• Reduced ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions 
• Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or a suicide attempt

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7.

A diagnosis of other specified depressive disorder can be given when an individual experiences clinically significant symptoms but does not meet the full criteria for a specific depressive disorder, and the clinician chooses to specify the reason why the full criteria aren’t met. 

The DSM-5-TR gives four examples of presentations that can be specified with the “other specified” designation: 

• Recurrent brief depression
• Short-duration depressive-like episode (four to 13 days)
• Depressive-like episode with insufficient symptoms
• Major depressive episode superimposed 

For instance, a diagnosis of “other specified depressive disorder, short-duration depressive-like episode” would indicate that a person experiences depressed mood and at least four other symptoms characteristic of a major depressive episode for at least four days, but less than the two weeks required for the diagnosis of major depressive disorder.

A related but distinct diagnosis from “other specified depressive disorder” is “unspecified depressive disorder,” which also involves distressing symptoms characteristic of depressive disorders that don’t meet the full criteria for a specific depressive disorder.

However, unspecified depressive disorder is used when the clinician chooses not to specify why the criteria for a specific depressive disorder aren’t met, including when there is insufficient information to make a more specific diagnosis.

With other specified depressive disorder and depressive disorders in general, the exact cause is unknown, but a range of factors are thought to contribute. These include:

• Genetic factors
• Neurobiological factors 
• Psychosocial factors
• Environmental factors 
• Structural and functional alteration in brain anatomy

When looking at research on the causes of other specified depressive disorder, in particular, it’s worth noting that it’s a relatively new diagnostic category. Previous research has explored different terms and definitions to describe symptoms of depression that don’t meet the full criteria of a particular depressive disorder.

Living with other specified depressive disorder can bring real challenges on a daily basis, but there are a number of treatments available that can help individuals manage symptoms and find relief. 

Guidelines from the American Psychological Association (APA) have outlined recommendations for the treatment of depressive disorders, including other specified depressive disorder, in adults. The guidelines recommend psychotherapy, second-generation antidepressants (detailed below), or a combination. 

Therapy 

Various types of therapy may be beneficial for those with other specified depressive disorder. Types of therapy recommended in the  APA guidelines include: 

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Cognitive therapy
• Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Interpersonal psychotherapy 
• Psychodynamic therapies
• Supportive therapy 
  

For some individuals with other specified depressive disorder, symptoms like low mood and loss of energy can make traveling to in-person therapy appointments very difficult, so it may be helpful to note that therapy can take place in person or online. 

Online therapy has been shown to be an effective option for those with symptoms of depression; in fact, recent BetterHelp results found that 78% of clients with elevated depression symptoms showed symptom improvement within 12 weeks.

Medication

Some individuals with other specified depressive disorder may benefit from medication. Second-generation antidepressants are commonly recommended for depression; these include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), serotonin modulators, and atypical antidepressants.

For those who may prefer to explore medication options from the comfort of home, BetterHelp offers online psychiatry services so you can schedule an appointment when it is most convenient for you.

Other treatment options

A range of complementary health approaches may also be helpful for some individuals with other specified depressive disorder. These may include approaches like physical exercise (e.g., walking, jogging, yoga, strength training), acupuncture, and music therapy. 

Self-care strategies

In addition to professional treatments, various self-care strategies may also be beneficial for some individuals with other specified depressive disorder. These may include activities such as journaling, practicing gratitude, spending time with loved ones, and practicing mindfulness and meditation.

*Based on finalized paid psychiatry visits with a copay. Insurance availability, coverage, and costs vary by state, plan, provider network, and provider availability.

There are a wide variety of additional resources available to help individuals learn more about depression and find additional support, including the following: 

• ADAA Online Support Communities: The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) provides free online support communities for anxiety and depression (in English and Spanish), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and major depressive disorder. 

• 988 Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides free support and resources for individuals or loved ones experiencing distress. You can access these services via their website, by texting 988, or by calling 988. There are also specialized resources available for Spanish speakers, veterans, and those who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

• National Alliance on Mental Illness: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a range of resources for individuals with mental health concerns, including a helpline, local NAMI chapters, videos, and more.

Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

What is the difference between other specified depressive disorder versus unspecified depressive disorder?

Other specified depressive disorder and unspecified depressive disorder both involve distressing symptoms characteristic of depressive disorders that don’t meet the full criteria for a specific depressive disorder; however, other specified depressive disorder is used when the clinician chooses to specify why the criteria for a specific depressive disorder aren’t met, while unspecified depressive disorder is used when the clinician chooses not to specify why the criteria aren’t met.

What are common causes of other specified depressive disorder?

The exact cause of other specified depressive disorder is unknown, but factors such as genetics, environmental factors, and neurobiological factors may all play a role. 

What is the difference between other specified depressive disorder and major depressive disorder?

A diagnosis of other specified depressive disorder is used when an individual experiences clinically significant symptoms but doesn’t meet the full criteria for a specific depressive disorder; meanwhile, a diagnosis of major depressive disorder indicates that an individual experiences symptoms that do meet the full criteria for that disorder. For a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, five or more symptoms (as detailed in the DSM-5-TR) must be present during the same two-week period and cause significant distress or impairment in function.