Cross Examining Psych Doctors - Tip #53-Identifying an Incomplete Major Depressive Disorder Diagnosis

In order to diagnose a Major Depressive Disorder correctly it is necessary to specify whether the disorder is of the Recurrent or Single Episode variety and to record the severity of the disorder. In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) terminology the doctor is also required to provide a 5-digit numerical diagnostic code that allows the reader to work backwards and determine the full nature of the disorder if not described verbally. Thus, when a doctor provides a diagnosis of a Major Depressive Disorder, but declines to state if that disorder is of the Single Episode or Recurrent variety and/or declines to record the severity of the Major Depressive Disorder, then their diagnosis is incomplete.

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