Diagnostic Definitions in Mental health are really not worth much. They are based on some statistics that are done and only provide a mean by which to measure one way or another. I didn't respond to at least 5 combos of meds and my current set is not working much either. Therapy is a joke for those who are in the middle of the harshest depression. Changing your thoughts is nearly impossible when your thoughts are out of control and you can't keep from thinking bad things. It's taxing and wears on you emotionally and physically.

If you can pull yourself out of your depression, count yourself lucky. Most of us just muddle through and hope we don't lose our jobs or family while trying to pretend to be functional. Eventually that breaks down and the hospital is the only option which will prescribe something to help get you back into a frame of mind that is possible to be treated.

So don't take definitions seriously in mental health. They don't fit most situations as they are derived as a statistical analysis of many different experiences. There may be a common thread, but remember, symptoms are given different weights as well. This is why I can't go to a support group for what's affecting my daughter. She has symptoms that fit about 3 to 4 diagnosis and as a 12 year old, it's impossible to determine which one it could be. So my wife and I have no support group specific to my daughter's illness, just her symptoms to live with.

Sorry, but I'm not feeling well myself and can't help but post stupid things when I'm depressed.