Depressive Disorder NEC?
 

I've recently had copies of my medical records and noticed the letters NEC after my diagnosis. I know that it stands for "not elsewhere classified" and presume that its the same/similar to NOS.

But if I'm honest, I don't really know what it means! I was wondering if any of you guys were familiar with the term and if so could explain it to me?:ermm:

Thanks in advance.

I think it means that they can't figure out what type of depression you have, e.g bipolar or unipolar or maybe even what has caused it but i'm not entirely sure, sorry. Can you ask a professional about it?

Ahh, nice one. I kinda thought that it was something along those lines too but couldn't find anything defintive having researched it :/

I'm seeing my GP in a week or so I'll probably ask her then.

Thanks for your reply :)

It can sometimes mean that your symptoms do not immediately fit one or other category or classification - It is also sometimes used to reference the fact that some normal modes of treatment may not be suitable (for the same reason).

Always worth asking about though.

Roiben

Thanks, that definately helps to clarify what 'NEC' means but I'm not entirely sure how it's relevant in my own case, especially when my psych told me that I fit the criteria for MDD. Granted, that was probably about a year ago and things may have changed since then diagnosis wise so I'll definately ask my GP about it next week, hopefully she'll be able to provide a reasonable explanation.

For me personally, obtaining a diagnosis has generally been secondary to gaining relief from my symptoms (although on the flip side of the coin I wouldn't to be misdiagnosed either). So with that in mind I'm not particularly upset about this, but at the end of the day if they've slapped NEC after my diagnosis because I don't quite fit certain criteria or whatever, then I'm naturally going to question why. And also, to an extent it also makes me wonder if there's anything else that they haven't bothered to discuss with me? You know?

Ahh well, rambling on now. Seeing my GP a week today so hopefully she'll be able to put my mind at ease somewhat.

Thanks again

Often it can be that a diagnosis is not yet formulated - they can treat you for the symptoms you are experiencing at a given time, but a formal diagnosis can take a longer period of time with observation over that period. Therefore if your symptoms have changed or if the period of a diagnosis has elapsed it may be that the DX is noted as being un-classed while that observation is taking place?

Roiben x

That actually does make a lot of sense as I have had a couple of different possible dx's and treatment options thrown about over the past few years. And also with regard to the MDD dignosis my psych did say at the time that I currently met the criteria so I guess thats not necessarily set in stone.

Thank you for helping me out on this one and allowing me to consider it from a different perspective; I do at times have a tendency to get a bee in my bonnet over the most benign of matters!!

Sometimes talking things through can be the best option - I think it is why forums exist.

*hug*

Roiben x

I really liked this*information.

I think diagnosis can be quite a hard thing. Over the years I have had many diagnosis' and even now they a continually assessing me because things change and people change and symptoms change as we grow and go through different things.

I didn't know I had schizoaffective disorder till I read it on a discharge letter. Thankfully I had time since to talk to my doctor about it and that really helped me see how I fit the diagnostic criteria. Talking to your doctor is a really good place to start.

Zombie thread.