Going for a Psychological Evaluation... anyone else done this??? - Disabilities Message Board

reachout · 03-06-2008, 06:45 AM

Hi

I got a letter from Disability stating that I am going to be scheduled for a full psychological exam. Although I see a licensed clinical social worker, Disability wants an exam done by a psychologist or a psychiatrist. I do deal with depression so I am sure it is in my doctors' records and I put in in my own paperwork. My claim is primarily for physical disabilities, but depression also plays into it.

I don't have a problem with the exam, although I am a bit edgy about it. I don't handle any family finances or the checkbook anymore because I make too many mistakes, get tired and foggy quickly. I have told them this. I guess I am edgy because I don't know what they are looking for. I am not a babbling idiot (yet!). What happens in these exams? I feel like I am going to be put on display and it is kind of upsetting to me.

Can anybody shed any light on this for me?

Thanks
reach

PS You know, I think this whole process is enough to put one in depression, even if it wasn't there to begin with. Yikes!

deltaelise · 03-06-2008, 10:19 AM

Well, I almost didn't answer this but I want you to be prepared. I went to one back in 2001. I mean I have suffered from mental illness my whole life, it's in my family. We have depression, agoraphobia, ocd, panic disorder, anxiety disorder and so on. Not only did he say I was okay, he said I was just lazy and did drugs. I don't smoke or drink or do drugs everyone knows that too. I was devastated and my lawyer let my appeals lapse so I went away and volunteered to do animal rescue for 5 years until my physical health became so bad I could'nt work anymore.
I refiled back in 2006 and didn't have to take another mental exam, I don't know why. Now you may have a nice person, I don't know but my advice would be to just be yourself and tell him/her all your problems. They asked me questions like who is president and who is vice president and I forgot what else. I have bad memory problems but the questions are pretty easy I think.
I am sure you will more than likely have a more professional pschologist than the one I had.
I walked into his office and freaked out. Not only did he have penguin things all over his office, he himself looked like one. I was intimidated right off the bat. He was the one who needed the exam. That made a dent in my mind for the rest of my life.

auntduci37 · 03-06-2008, 10:44 AM

Well when I went for mine she asked me stuff like what did you do last christmas, whats the date, simple memory things, although i couldnt remember.lol.

but she also asked things like

People in glass house shouldnt throw stones: what does that mean...
Like 5 or 6 of statements like this, early bird gets the worm: meaning...

name 5 past presidents.

count backwards from 100 by 7's

gave me three names of states, then at the end of the session i had to repeat them to her.

just things to test your memory.

then she just asked like what do i do daily.

nothing to be worried about, youll be fine...
I only remember becuz it freaked me out so much..lol.

auntduci37 · 03-06-2008, 10:48 AM

yeah, i agree. When I went to me exam the office was being remodled...the dr was well seemed like she needed her own doctor..

she rushed through it all and that made it worse on me...
i dont know what her report said, but i had no confidence in her.
you cant cram a whole life history in that amount of time.

maybe youll get lucky and get a good one, but from what i hear they are all about the same.

they wanted the answers to be black or white, and well sometimes life isnt that way theres alot of gray.

Michael8466 · 03-10-2008, 11:48 PM

Hey there, I saw a psychologist last year and thought I was going to lose it. I was roughly seen for 3 hours. There were many tests, from history to building blocks. I was pretty drained at the end. As I was about to leave she asked me "what makes you happy", I had no answer. I just shook my head and the tears started to flow. I've been depressed since I can remember. I received a letter from SS saying "although you may feel some discomfort from your injury you are able to find employment in your past career as an office mananger". I've been through 2 rejection letters and now waiting for a hearing. I wish you the best with your visit.