Hi everyone. I have some questions regarding a Disability Review I am currently undergoing which is totally stressing me out and creating panic.

First, let me say that I have severe Social Phobia, Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, OCD and depression. I was first approved for disability in 2005. I was accepted on my 2nd try, without a lawyer. But back then I had recent examples of jobs I had failed at and my therapist wrote a great letter explaining everything. I was also seeing a Psychiatrist.

Then, a few months ago, after years of being on Disability, I received a letter stating that Social Security was doing a full review of my case. I filled out the initial paperwork and a while later received a phone call from them stating that they may want me to see an independent p.doc to get an assessment. This has me totally freaked out. I recently received and filled out the Function report to the best of my ability. I tried to give concrete examples of how my disorders affect my inability to work.

What’s different this time: I am not currently seeing a psychotherapist. I also can’t give recent examples of failed job attempts because I’ve been on disability for so long. In addition, I can’t say I’ve had a recent panic attack because I now avoid ALL social situations that cause them. BIG QUESTION: For panic disorder, will the independent p.doc ask when the last time I had a panic attack was and how often I experience them? What do I say since I avoid all social situations that cause them? PLEASE HELP WITH ADVICE.

I have not seen a therapist in 5 years. All along I have continued to see a p.doc and he has stated that I cannot work. Will it hurt me that I am not currently seeing a therapist? I have seen 5 therapists over 15 years, but none were able to help, so I’ve taken a break from it for the past 5 years. But I DO plan on going back to psychotherapy at some point. I just wish I had gone back before this review.

I am very terrified because of the possibility of an in-person review with an independent p.doc. I know I can’t work (I would have a massive, perpetual panic attack from the getgo and have been fired from jobs in the past). But my fear is my ability to convince THEM.

I know this post is disjointed, but with the anxiety I’m now experiencing, this is the best that I can do. Hope you will all forgive me and offer lots of good advice. Thanks!!!!