psychiatric evaluation - Disabilities Message Board

robingilbo · 07-23-2004, 12:41 AM

I have my ssdi psychiatric evaluation coming up very soon, and I am literally scared to death about it. Can anyone out there tell me what to expect, and also tell me if they are really going to evaluate me fairly, or just simply try to disprove my claims. i have been treated by my family doctor for years, and I take xanax .5mg 3xdaily, and effexor 150 mg. any response would be greatly appreciated.

robingilbo · 07-23-2004, 12:46 AM

I forgot to add in my original post that I plan on taking a list of all my major symptoms and problems associated with my depression and social anxiety. Is this a wise idea, or a waste of time?

etIII · 07-23-2004, 04:09 AM

Hello Robingilbo,
There are more questions we would need to help you. Of course we aren't employees of SSI, nor are we Drs.. It sounds as if you're not near a metro-type area (in the boonies?). If your Family Dr. is diagnosing you instead of a psychiatrist...it leaves a big question as to why your Dr. hasn't referred you beforehand to someone who is supposed to be seeing you. My General Practioner is actually specific in Bone doctoring and Deep-sea diving medicine. I asked him for a referal to a Psych. Dr. since they are actually the only ones allowed to prescribe mind altering drugs.

Don't be afraid of the process or the Drs, you are about to encounter. Your Family Dr. must have a reason to believe that you are eligable or you wouldn't be here chatting with us. When there aren't enough specialists in your area, SS will send you to one of theirs. I'm all the way out in the Pacific Ocean. My GP said that when a Neurologist visits the Island of Guam, he'd call me. Our SS office found two of their Drs. on island. On Tuesday the 27th of July will be my appt. with him. I've already had my MRI and X-rays done. Yet that was six months ago.

I've seen four Psychiatrists who dxed me with Major Depression. One of them put down "alcohol dependance". SS told me that wasn't an exceptable reason (against SS rules now). Problem being, I've had depressive problems since my step-mother started terrorizing me at the age of three. My alcohol problems increased when I went into the military. That's where another 5 Psych. Drs. made their prognosis. There was still another Psych. Dr. that I had seen in between. If I have to I'll dig up the other six Psych. Drs. to prove my case.

As far as being evaluated fairly, I do believe their Dr. will be. True SSI is paying them, yet they're job is on the line. There are federal regulations they must follow when examining the patient. All I could suggest is to be yourself and answer all questions truthfully.

Nothing is a waste of time unless you don't try at all. Please let us know what else you plan to provide them and maybe we could help. No...I'm not trying to be nosey! It's just that the more "axis" to your prognosis, the better that it will help you. Sometimes this whole process can be painfully slow. Depression is one of the biggest side-affects we need to deal with here! If they could only look in to our souls, we might find our healing.

Good luck and hope to hear from ya soon!
Ed

crabbyroad · 07-23-2004, 05:04 AM

Robin,

Is this a review part of the disability claim you have filed? I had that with my disability claim before I was given final approval, thinking back I believe it was my last step before receiving my letter of either approval or denial.

I was already under the care of my GP and a pyschiatrist. I already had my diagnosis. All my paperwork had been completed, along with all my records had been sent for review.

My visit with the SSD doctor was quite odd rather, I thought he was going to touch on my disability, and it was all mental tests. Example one of the first things he told me was a word to remember, that at any time he may ask me to recall this word throughout my interview with him, which he did do. Also he had me do mental math in my head, counting backwards by 7's starting with 99. The color of the flag, very bizzare questions. I was perplexed to say the least, I answered all that was asked of me and then after the interview I inquired why we didnt go into my illness, said it was just an interview that they conduct, wouldnt elaborate further.

Is this the type evaluation your having? For a SSD claim?

fl cat · 07-24-2004, 01:10 PM

I know one person that had to have a psych eval with SS dr. She applied in 8/03 saw their dr. in 12/03 and got her first check in 1/04 so it went well for her. I think the more info you bring the easier it is for the dr. to get a clear idea everything you deal with. Good Luck.