Nietdepressieve

Nietdepressieve is a Dutch term used to describe an absence of depressive symptoms or mood, referring to people, states, or moods that are not characterized by depression. It is not a formal diagnostic label in major manuals such as the DSM-5 or ICD-11, and is more commonly found in informal discourse, clinical notes, or academic writings as a contrast to depressive conditions.

Etymology and usage: The term derives from niet (not) and depressieve (depressive). In practice, it is often replaced by phrases like "geen depressieve symptomen" or "niet-depressieve stemming" in professional contexts for clarity.

Clinical context: In research samples, a “nietdepressieve” group may describe participants who do not meet criteria for depression during screening. In clinical settings, professionals typically assess depressive symptoms with standardized scales, and would record the absence of depressive symptoms rather than labeling someone as nietdepressief. The term can be used to describe general mood status rather than a specific disorder, and it does not exclude other mental health conditions.

Limitations: The concept risks implying a binary division of mood states; mood exists on a spectrum and comorbidity is common. The label should not be used to certify overall well-being or to exclude issues such as anxiety, burnout, or somatic concerns.

See also: Depression; Mood disorder; Psychological well-being; DSM-5; ICD-11.