What on earth does "PDD-NOS" mean?

When I was 14, I was placed in a psychiatric hospital for about a week or two and released at the behest of my parents, against medical advice. My admitting diagnosis was Depressive Disorder. However, upon having reviewed those medical records over a decade later, it turns out they had placed "Rule out PDD-NOS" as part of my Axis I diagnosis...Along side Impulse Control Disorder, and in the second axis "Borderline Traits", which is irrelevant but sure must have made me a hell of a case.

Somehow during four years of therapy, this diagnosis never came up. I thought I had ADHD as they had prescribed me Adderall [and Zoloft and Neurontin] for many years. [Still uncertain about that Neurontin prescription].

The DSM-IV criteria for a PDD-NOS diagnosis is strikingly vague. I would like to have some closure on this issue so I can get to work on what my problems are now [...Despite not having the insurance to pay for a therapist, I must try on my own though].
In this vain, I'm having a very hard time tracking down my old psychiatrist for a copy of my medical records. I could contact my old therapist though, which may yield a confirmation of diagnosis...Regardless!

Could someone with more experience in this realm point me in a direction which could give me more information about PDD-NOS that's not just a lanky paragraph from the DSM?

NOS means "Not Otherwise Specified". Which to me, sounds like a catch-all for any PDD that is not properly understood.

To "rule out" PDD-NOS must surely mean to rule out all forms of PDD.

So I would concentrate on the PDD part.

"pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified"

Here's some information related to it: http://www.nationalautismresources.c...msymptoms.html

Here's another good website that specifically addresses the difference between PDD-NOS and Asperger's.

What Is the Difference Between Aspergers and PDD-NOS

pervasive development disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) is a "catch all" category form of autism which is why it was not very specific. Someone diagnosed with PDD-NOS doesn't fall into a specific category of Aspergers.

Autism spectrum disorders are a group of biologically based neurodevelopmental disorders that affect a child's behavior and communication skills.

My cousin was diagnosed with PDD NOS about 2 years ago. He himself was a slow developer, started walking talking and even crawling late. He was a quiet baby until about 4 o'clock and would continue for hours. He rocks, bangs his head, likes spinning things, is very repetitive, strong, doesn't feel pain, ect.
As a family member, it's heartbreaking to see him go through this but you find hope in the fact that this is all he knows so they can't miss "normality" if they don't know it.

I hope this helps