Today I went for my psych eval, it was very grueling. I hope that if any of you have to go, that you take info from your past with you! the evaluator, asked questions like when I was married, who I am married to, what we do for socializing, what was my child hood like, who lived with me, how many kids, did I ever have panic attacks, or anxiety attacks. The psychologist was very matter of factly, and quite invasive into my life and my past. He really was just so blunt, and non caring. *(no bedside mannerS)
I didn't think it was to much to deal with, it was fairly easy. However, he didn't ask about any health related issues, and really didn't ask about my physical health at all. I was very honest and to the point and gave the answers that I would have given any other person, I guess we will see what the outcome will be! Im glad its finished, just praying for a positive outcome! Hugs to all! Jackie
I don’t think it is that he is uncaring, I think he was doing his job. He asked who the president is, had me count backwards 7 each time from 100. He also asked me to spell words backwards, all about my child hood, my family now, it was a very wide area that he covered in less the. 1/2 hour. My question is how can someone make a judgment in that punt of time?
I always wonder if they are looking for depression, if they are does it help to be depressed or does it hurt ? It’s hard to figure out, seems to me we all can get depressed, but depression did not cause fibro, fibro can cause depression… Just my opinion, but it makes you wonder if having a dx of depression could help. I have always been a positive person, but there has been times I became tearful with my dr. , should she document depression ? Or just document what I think is the truth is that I get tearful & upset when I think about how my life has changes…
I guess you did the best thing & that’s just to be honest & ans the questions the best you can
Let us know how it all worked out
I’m glad for you it’s over…
I know laws are different from Canada and the U.S., but I have a neighbor who is on disability and the reason is depression. I don't know his whole story, but I get the impression his life fell apart after his marriage. I'm not sure, but with the approval of his doctor he received his disability fairly quickly. First shot...no appeals. Now I've applied as well based on my FM symptoms. It is true what you say that for most of us with FM the depression came after. With that said in filling out the application the only reference made toward depression was that I am on a waiting list of approximately one year to see a Psychiatrist/Psychologist whichever is available first. Now I'm the one who asked for this as I felt I needed to talk through how the stress in my life led up to me getting Fibro in the first place. My doctor never really addressed that except to give me anti-depressants well I take Cymbalta so that covers that. I am told that Fibro is not considered a disability here in Canada maybe it's the same in the U.S.? So my chances of this being accepted on the first application doesn't seem likely. Although, doctor backed me with stating I could not work and he would re-evaluate my situation in two years. It will be interesting to see what is going to happen. I sent my application in over 2 months ago so I'm not sure how long this can take. I guess what I'm trying to say is had my doctor said I was depressed I wonder too if this would have helped with a more positive outcome. I suppose if I have to appeal I can add that in as well as another health related issue has arised in my life. Lucky me! So it's the waiting game right now and in the meantime with no money coming in the reserves are running low. Like most of us here who are unable to work it is a constant stress which doesn't help our Fibro symptoms. It's a vicious circle! I'll let you know when I get my answer! Trying to stay positive!! :)
Fibro was just recently approved as an 'acceptable' diagnosis for disability here in the states. Although it really doesn't matter, when I worked for the doctor we had terminal patients at the end of their lives that were denied. It seems to come down to whoever's desk your file lands on at the disability office, there is no rhyme or reason to it.
Is there another type of psychiatric specialist you can see? Here we also have Clinical Social Workers, Psychiatric Nurses, and different types of Counselors. I wonder if someone like that would be faster for you to see?
HI JACKIE MY ATTORNEY SUGGESTED LAST SUMMER TO HELP MY CASE TO SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST I WENT AND SHE ASKED QUESTIONS DID TIMED PUZZLES WHILE MY 2 SUSTERS FILLED OUT PSPERS WHST I WAS LIKE MY SISTER BETH RECRIVED THE TEZT RESULTS SO DID THE ATTORNEY DAD HSLF PSID. FOR IT MY INSURANCE PAID THE OTHER HALF HE INSISTED TO BE TOLD THE RESULTS MY FTIEND JOAN AND I WENT DAD CAME BY HIMSELF THE ATTORNEY SAID THAT THE PSYCHOLOGIST SAID I HAVE DEVELOPEMENTAL DISORDER ITS A VERY MILD FORM OF AUTISM I WAS SHOCKED I ALMOST FELK OF THE CHAIR SHE DIDNT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON I TOLD HER SHE WAS MAD AND UPSET I ASKED FOR A COPY MY ALJ HEARINGS TODSY WEDNESDAY. JUNE 19 TH AT 12:30PM ILL SEE HIM HELL BE THERE AND WILL HAVE THE REPORT IM ANXIOUS TO SEE IT WE CAMR TO DES MOINES IOWA TO BE IN FRONT OF THE JUDGE NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES FOR ME FACE TO FACE CAME YESTERDAY HEADED HOME TODAY. ITS A 31/2 HOUR DRIVE WORTH EVERY STIFF MUSCLE TO SEE THE JUDGE IN PERSON THE SS DIDNT REWUEST A MEDICAL DR OR PSYCHOGIST. HAVE A GREAT DSY SORRY YOURS. WASNT NICE YOURS WAS A MAN MINE WAS A LADY BUT SOMETIMES THAT DOESNT MAKE A DIFFERANCE
HI JACKIE MY ATTORNEY SUGGESTED LAST SUMMER TO HELP MY CASE TO SEE A PSYCHOLOGIST I WENT AND SHE ASKED QUESTIONS DID TIMED PUZZLES WHILE MY 2 SUSTERS FILLED OUT PSPERS WHST I WAS LIKE MY SISTER BETH RECRIVED THE TEZT RESULTS SO DID THE ATTORNEY DAD HSLF PSID. FOR IT MY INSURANCE PAID THE OTHER HALF HE INSISTED TO BE TOLD THE RESULTS MY FTIEND JOAN AND I WENT DAD CAME BY HIMSELF THE ATTORNEY SAID THAT THE PSYCHOLOGIST SAID I HAVE DEVELOPEMENTAL DISORDER ITS A VERY MILD FORM OF AUTISM I WAS SHOCKED I ALMOST FELK OF THE CHAIR SHE DIDNT KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON I TOLD HER SHE WAS MAD AND UPSET I ASKED FOR A COPY MY ALJ HEARINGS TODSY WEDNESDAY. JUNE 19 TH AT 12:30PM ILL SEE HIM HELL BE THERE AND WILL HAVE THE REPORT IM ANXIOUS TO SEE IT WE CAMR TO DES MOINES IOWA TO BE IN FRONT OF THE JUDGE NO MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES FOR ME FACE TO FACE CAME YESTERDAY HEADED HOME TODAY. ITS A 31/2 HOUR DRIVE WORTH EVERY STIFF MUSCLE TO SEE THE JUDGE IN PERSON THE SS DIDNT REWUEST A MEDICAL DR OR PSYCHOGIST. HAVE A GREAT DSY SORRY YOURS. WASNT NICE YOURS WAS A MAN MINE WAS A LADY BUT SOMETIMES THAT DOESNT MAKE A DIFFERANCE
Jackie, I have been diagnosed with depression for years and have gone thru several of these "evals" with the VA and SSD. I had and have many mixed emotions about each one. Yes, I found that a few of them were a bit invasive. However, it's what was needed to be done for them to gather the information they needed. I would absolutely agree that a couple of the people needed to remember that they were dealing with an individual, not an object. I will always say that it takes an special kind of person to work in the health care industry and we have all come in contact with those that need to find a different carreer. It is and was definately very hard to be honest about your symptoms. Some times it felt as if you were talking about yourself as a third person. I hope that I haven't rambled too much... Please know that you not alone and I hope the best for you. Kevin
Thank you for your input. I think like you said there is no rhyme or reason how they choose who get's disability. I am going through the hospital which is government paid. I did meet with an evaluator. She asked if I were open to see a social worker as well as the Psychiatrist or Psychologist it is a question of who will be available first. As this service is paid for on our medicare system hence the long waiting period. The only other alternative is to pay myself and I can't afford it. No money coming in and that is stressful in itself.
