NOS?
 

I recently went to the doctor about my eczema and glanced over the computer screen.

In the "on-going medical conditions" list were three things. One was an eye problem and the second two were listed as "Depression NOS" and "OCD NOS."

I've heard NOS suffix used with regards to EDs before but not with other mental disorders.... any help?
I was surprised for them to be listed, as although I still suffer with these problems, I haven't seen anyone since I was discharged from IP in autumn 2006, upon which I gave up on CAMHS.

So yeah.... help?

NOS means 'Not Otherwise Specified' in the diagnostic manuals. Almost every mental disorder can have NOS- there is even a diagnosis of 'Mental Disorder NOS'!

Is there anything specific you would like to know?

I know that NOS is not otherwise specified, I've just never heard it used with OCD in particular- google through nothing up and I'm curious as to what is deviant from a full diagnosis of OCD. Not that I'm scavenging for a label, as I said, I'm just curious.

I think that most disorders have deviancies (such word?!) to the point that I think it's probably rare to find a really pure form of a disorder. However, like with EDs, it will probably just mean you have some symptoms of OCD but not enough or not intense enough to meet enough of the criteria for the diagnosis. I can understand "depressive illness NOS" more than OCD NOS because there are many different diagnoses that come under mood disorders/depressive illnesses but not as far as I'm aware with OCD. If it was at your GP's, to be fair, it might just not have been written properly

Lol, every diagnosis i have is a NOS of some sort.

Ive looked at DSM codes and I cant find an OCD NOS. Maybe someone else will be able to help.

x

I think that it means that the cause and solution of the problem have never been determined. EG you are depressed but its not specfieid the reason why you are depressed as this cause has not been found yet.

it might be related to obsessive compulsive behaviour rather than disorder. So you have the traits, but it's not completely ruling your life...

They can tack NOS onto the end of illnesses if they're unsure of what form your illness is taking on. Whether it be not having enough information, not being sure what type you have (if it's an illness with multiple types), ect. It can also be used as a broader diagnosis. Or it can mean that you don't fit the full criteria for the diagnosis, but it appears that you have the illness.


I think. Don't quote me on this, just in case. xD