Other Specified Mental Disorder

Individuals with OSMD can experience a diverse range of symptoms, which can vary depending on the condition they have. Below is a brief overview of some common symptoms experienced by those with OSMD:

• Persistent sadness, anxiety, or irritability: These emotions might be experienced more intensely or frequently than expected and could interfere with daily functioning.
• Excessive worry, rumination, or intrusive thoughts: Individuals with OSMD may find themselves consumed with thoughts or concerns that are difficult to control or dismiss.
• Sudden or unexplained mood changes: Mood swings can occur without apparent cause and may negatively impact a person's relationships and ability to function.
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details: Individuals with OSMD might find their minds wandering or have a sense of a mental fog. This symptom can lead to struggles with daily tasks and responsibilities.
• Sleep disturbances: Sleep challenges may include difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, experiencing nightmares, or having night sweats.
• Physical symptoms: These manifestations can range from headaches and digestive problems to fatigue and chronic pain.

These symptoms may indicate other specified disorders, including other specified depressive disorders and other specified dissociative disorders.¹ In the case of other specified depressive disorders, the individual may show signs of a depressive disorder, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), without fully meeting the diagnostic criteria for any recognized depressive disorders. 

Other specified dissociative disorder (OSDD) may be diagnosed when individuals experience symptoms of a dissociative disorder,² like dissociative identity disorder (DID)³ or depersonalization-derealization disorder,⁴ but not all of the criteria for a specific dissociative disorder diagnosis are met. In addition, other examples of disorders that are otherwise specified can include other specified anxiety disorder, other specified sexual dysfunction, other specified personality disorder, and other specified schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorder. 

OSMD is a complex and diverse category of mental health conditions that do not fit into existing diagnostic classifications. Individuals experiencing the above symptoms or other emotional, cognitive, or physical challenges of a different mental disorder can consult a mental health professional for a thorough assessment. The process of determining which disease or condition explains a person's symptoms and signs can be complex but can be key for finding the appropriate treatment approach, as treatment will often vary based on the diagnosis. For instance, experiencing symptoms of psychosis, emotional disturbance, other psychotic disorders, or other personality disorders may prompt very different treatments than would a mental health diagnosis for pathological dissociation or autism spectrum disorder.

OSMD can be caused by various situations, which can differ from person to person. Genetic predisposition, childhood trauma, and the environment in which a person grows up may significantly affect their mental health. For example, unequal parental treatment, adverse life events, and substance use may increase the risk of depression, while discrimination and separation in families may contribute to anxiety and other mental disorders.

Among the other common causes and risk factors of OSMD are:

• A family history of mental health conditions
• Biological factors like chemical imbalances in the brain
• Chronic medical conditions, including chronic pain
• Substance misuse

In some cases, OSMD is related to trauma. In these cases, individuals may experience triggers that can worsen their symptoms, bringing about emotional distress. These triggers can include reminders of the traumatic event, such as people, places, or situations, as well as seemingly unrelated stimuli.

The specific causes and risk factors for OSMD can vary depending on the individual, their genetics, and environmental factors. As a result, the treatment of these disorders often requires a personalized approach.

The treatments for OSMD often focus on lessening the severity of symptoms and improving the affected person’s quality of life. Typical approaches may involve a combination of therapy, medication, and self-care strategies that target the specific symptoms with which the individual is living. 

Medication

Medication may be prescribed to help individuals manage mental health symptoms. The specific medication may depend on the individual's diagnosis and symptoms. Common medications used in the treatment of mental health conditions include:

• Antidepressants: These medications can treat symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood-related challenges.
• Anti-anxiety medications: For individuals struggling with anxiety or panic attacks, these medications may reduce anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation.
• Mood stabilizers: For help with emotional disorders, these medications are often used for individuals with mood swings or bipolar disorder to maintain a stable emotional state.

The effectiveness and side effects of medications can vary from person to person. Therefore, individuals can consult their healthcare provider to find the best course of action. Consult a medical doctor before starting, changing, or stopping a medication for any condition. The information in this article is not a replacement for medical advice or diagnosis. 

Other treatment options

In some cases, other treatment options may be necessary to address specific mental health symptoms. Depending on the individual's situation, these options may include:

• Alternative therapies: Practices like yoga, meditation, or acupuncture may improve quality of life and manage symptoms alongside traditional therapy or medication.
• Support groups: Local or online support groups may provide connections with individuals who share similar experiences and offer understanding, encouragement, or advice.

Self-care 

Taking care of physical and mental health can be part of a holistic treatment plan for various challenges. Practicing self-care strategies may reduce mental health symptoms and improve emotional health. Consider incorporating the following self-care strategies into your life:

• Regular exercise: Physical activity may reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall psychological health.
• Balanced diet: A nutritious diet may positively affect physical and mental health.
• Sleep hygiene: A regular sleep routine and maintaining a healthy sleep environment may support improved mental health and reduce symptoms.

Ultimately, individuals with OSMD can work closely with their healthcare providers for advice. That way, they can find the most effective combination of treatments for their situation.

For those seeking mental health support, various resources are available. As therapy may be a valuable form of support for individuals struggling with mental health problems, online therapy platforms may be a convenient resource. Platforms like BetterHelp may provide support for those in need.

Several mental health organizations and support groups also cater to individuals with mental health conditions. Mental Health America, for example, offers information about other specified disorders, which may be helpful for those diagnosed with this condition. The National Alliance on Mental Illness may also provide valuable information and connect individuals to appropriate treatments and services.

Those facing mental health challenges can reach out for help and use the available resources. Individuals may support their overall mental health with a combination of treatments, care, and support.

For help with substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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

Various studies have examined how symptoms of mental health disorders are used and categorized to make a diagnosis. A recent global survey assessed how mental health professionals use the ICD-10 and DSM diagnostic systems. 

The study reported that slightly more than half of the respondents (57.4%) frequently use the diagnostic guidelines to see if they apply to their clients. The survey also revealed that clinicians occasionally use “residual” categories, which refer to conditions that don’t fit into a specific diagnostic category or when there’s insufficient information for a precise diagnosis. 

One study discussed the concept of mental disorders and the challenges in defining and diagnosing them. More specifically, it highlighted the limitations of current symptom-based diagnostic criteria and the need to consider underlying causes when identifying disorders. Overall, the research reinforces the complexity of mental disorders and calls for improved validity in diagnostic criteria.

Below are several critical statistics on OSMD:

• It is estimated that more than 20% of US adults (57.8 million in 2021) live with a mental illness, which may include a wide range of conditions, such as other specified mental disorders.
• In 2016, 16.5% of US children and adolescents aged six to 17 experienced a mental health disorder, which can include conditions classified as other specified mental disorder.
• A study conducted on the working population revealed significant gender differences in psychological distress, a potential component of other specified mental disorders. Women reported a higher incidence (11.0%) than men (8.8%). 
• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health of adults in the US, with studies showing an average prevalence of 12.9% for severe depression symptoms, 26.0% for moderate depression symptoms, and 36.0% for mild depression symptoms from March 2020 to June 2021.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health symptoms surged globally. The overall prevalence was recorded as 28.0% for depression, 26.9% for anxiety, 24.1% for PTSD symptoms, 36.5% for stress, 50.0% for psychological distress, and 27.6% for sleep problems.
• In a recent review of hundreds of studies, therapy was found effective in treating various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, eating disorders, and symptoms that may be present in other specified mental disorder. 

Other Specified Dissociative Disorder