Unspecified Depression: Does that mean I dont have depression? : )? (antidepressant, medication, symptoms)

[TySky]

I was given "chronic unspecified depression" on my medical profile does that mean that Im on the verge of having depression or not having it at all? Ive been on an antidepressant for about a little over a year now, before the antidepressant I honestly was experiencing depression symptoms but right now I dont experience a lot now I still have my off days but Im good though even though my life right now (my surroundings) isnt good.

[willow wind]

It means you have depression. Chronic means continual, recurring, persistant. Unspecified means the doctor hasn't figured out exactly what type of depression you have. You feel better now because you're on medication.

Keep going to your doctor, ask lots of questions , let him or her know how you're doing on medication. .

[ToucheGA]

The DSM diagnosis for this condition is probably Depression, Not Otherwise Specified (NOS). When the new DSM-5 is published later this month, it may be replaced with a new term, such as "Depression, Not Elsewhere Classified." This new classification will have a 6 month time limit, under DSM-5 guidelines.

In general, mental health providers are expected to only use "NOS" diagnoses for a limited period of time, until they get a good idea of what is going on with an individual. Eventually, they should used a more specific disorder, such as "Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent, Mild, without Psychotic Features." This will be a more formal requirement with DSM-5, since the "NEC" diagnoses cannot be used for longer than 6 months.