Thank you both for your replies,

Anninside: Yes, I have read the DSM-IV. Thing is, I'm not really sure if these moods have lasted a min. of 4 days since I never really paid that close of attention. They may have, dunno.

One thing I expressed to both these pdoc's is the depression I'm currently experiencing (before started taking Lexapro again) feels different from prior depressive episodes. I was having a few days of feeling deeply depressed, then a day or two of feeling fine. Sometimes during these, "Fine," days I'd have moments of unexplained irritability and agitation which would pass then I'd either feel fine again or mildly depressed. Some mornings I'd wake up feeling pissy but wouldn't let my mood follow me to work. I'd be my usual, bubbly, self at work but as soon as I got home- BAM! depression would hit me again. This confused me and was the main reason I waited so long to go back on antidepressants. I wasn't sure I was really depressed! That is, until another wave of depression got a hold of me and I said, "Enough is enough. I gotta do something about this!" So here I am.

kindachaotic: Thank you for your suggestions and kind words. I am keeping a journal along with my mood chart noting events of the day which could be possible triggers for any mood swings. My pdoc does want me to bring this to my next appt. You asked about my age. I'm 44 and will be turning 45 end of this month. Does age play a factor in diagnosis? Gosh, I've read so much I can't keep it all straight. Also, you mentioned an eval. Is this something my regular pdoc does, a therapist, or someone else? No one has mentioned this to me yet. I'm beginning to wonder if it might be wise to get a second opinion.

Again, thank you both for you time and insights. I do appreciate them and you. Have a wonderful day and be good to yourselves.

~*PositiveKarma*~