Dissociative disorder not otherwise specified

Dissociative disorder not otherwise specified
Dissociative disorder not otherwise specified
Other names	Other dissociative and conversion disorders, partial dissociative identity disorder
Specialty	Psychiatry
Differential diagnosis	Conversion disorder (CD)/Functional neurologic symptom disorder (FNsD), Dissociative identity disorder, depersonalization-derealization disorder, borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, unspecified dissociative disorder

Dissociative disorder not otherwise specified (DDNOS) was a mental health diagnosis for pathological dissociation that matched the DSM-IV criteria for a dissociative disorder, but did not fit the full criteria for any of the specifically identified subtypes, and the reasons why the previous diagnoses were not met are specified. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) refers to the diagnosis as "Other dissociative and conversion disorders".^[1] Under the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), it is known as "Other specified dissociative disorder" (OSDD).

Dissociative Disorders from DSM-IV to DSM-V

DDNOS history

Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified , now called "Other Specified Dissociative Disorder" , is a mental health condition where people experience disconnection from their thoughts, feelings, or identity. It's like having symptoms of dissociation but not fitting perfectly into any specific category. This can make it hard for some to understand or take seriously, even among healthcare providers. Because it's not as clear-cut as other disorders, people with DDNOS/OSDD might face stigma and struggle to get the right help. It's important to recognize and support those with DDNOS/OSDD, just like any other mental health condition, to ensure they get the care they need.

DDNOS diagnoses

Under DDNOS, there were a number of dissociative conditions.

DDNOS 1 – DID but switching not observed by clinician, or amnesia for the significant past but not everyday life.^[2]
DDNOS 1a – Like DID but with less distinct parts/no alters. Alters may be emotional fragments or the same individual at different ages. Can experience emotional amnesia rather than physical amnesia.^[2]^[3]
DDNOS 1b – Like DID but no amnesia between alters.^[2]^[3]
DDNOS 2 – Derealization without depersonalization.^[2]
DDNOS 3,4,5,etc. – DID but with specific symptoms. Eg) Identity change due to brainwashing, acute dissociative reaction, dissociative trance, Ganser Syndrome.^[2]
Dissociative disorder with unclear symptoms.^[2]

Switch in Names

DDNOS was switched to OSDD in 2013.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSMv) saw the release of its fifth version in 2013. As a result, the DDNOS label was eliminated and some DID diagnostic criteria were modified. The terms DSMiv and DSMv are still widely used. The name was changed from Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified to Other Specified Dissociative Disorder to make it clearer and more inclusive. Instead of implying that the disorder doesn't fit anywhere else, the new name highlights that the symptoms are specified, meaning they're described and understood, even if they don't match exactly with other known types of dissociative disorders. This change helps reduce confusion and stigma, making it easier for people to recognize and seek help for their experiences.