OSDD

Other Specified Dissociative Disorder, or OSDD, is a diagnosis within the dissociative disorders category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). OSDD is used when a person experiences significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning due to dissociative symptoms, but their symptoms do not fully meet the criteria for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) or Dissociative Amnesia.

There are specific subtypes of OSDD. OSDD-1 is characterized by recurrent dissociative amnesia, identity disturbance, or dissociative fugue, but not to the full extent required for Dissociative Amnesia or DID. OSDD-1a involves a single dissociative identity other than the host, with some amnesia, but not the full array of distinct identities and amnesia seen in DID. OSDD-1b involves recurrent episodes of depersonalization or derealization, or both, with significant distress or impairment, but without the distinct identity alteration and amnesia seen in DID. OSDD-2 applies to acute dissociative reactions to stressful events, lasting from a few hours to a few days. OSDD-3 is for dissociative trance, where an individual experiences a temporary alteration in their state of consciousness or sense of identity, often culturally sanctioned.

The underlying causes of OSDD are believed to be similar to other dissociative disorders, often stemming from severe, chronic trauma or abuse experienced during early childhood, typically before the age of 7 or 8. Dissociation is thought to be a coping mechanism to protect the self from overwhelming experiences. Treatment for OSDD typically involves psychotherapy, focusing on trauma processing, integration of dissociative parts, and developing coping skills. The specific approach is tailored to the individual's unique presentation of symptoms.