[CharcoalGray]

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!!!!

[RainyDay107]

Thinking of you. I don't have answers...I'm under review, too. Sending hugs!

I don't see anything wrong with saying you avoid all that makes you panic. That sounds like it could be to your benefit. I think that it's good you have a pdoc who says you can't work. This will also help you. The fact that you don't have a therapist doesn't sound like a big deal to me. Especially bc you have a psychiatrist.

I was worried when I had my review too. I was honest though about my difficulties, and I was allowed to keep it. My review is every 3 years. The worst that could happen is you don't get it, and have to get a lawyer to dispute it. But I think you will be ok.

[CharcoalGray]

Thanks for your kind words and encouragement!!!

[RainyDay107]

Keep us posted and good luck.

[Rose76]

I'm sure I would be having a ton of anxiety in your shoes, but I think this letter may be less reason for alarm than you fear.

To start off with you did exactly the right thing on the Function report. Concrete examples of how your disorders incapacitate you from working is precisely what they need to have. Next you have to prepare for seeing the independent pdoc.

I saw one when I applied for SSDI back in 2012. My anxiety was awful about the interview. Turned out the pdoc they sent me to was as understanding a person as I could have hoped for. So don't assume that this pdoc you are going to is out to undermine you. That's kind of how I was thinking. Like you say, you have been diligently avoiding situations that provoke anxiety, so let that be the theme of your report to the pdoc. Explain the lengths to which you go and the depth of your fears. Again, concrete examples are illuminating.

You must feel apprehensive to get this notification more or less out of the blue. But it's probably something they just have to do, not necessarily a sign that they are looking to invalidate you. I can't predict what the pdoc will ask you, but lack of recent panic attacks won't be all the pdoc will go by. I don't think they expect you to keep seeing a therapist for years and years on end. There comes a point when you realize you have a permanent, chronic condition. The best you can do is to continue to employ what coping strategies you learned in therapy. I don't think insurance pays for therapy to go on indefinitely. It's more important, I would think, that you remain under the care of a pdoc whom you see. Sounds like your own doctor supports you remaining on disability. Think about what your doctor has said about your condition and the benefits of remaining on disability. You may not work, but surely you have other stresses to cope with. Those may be as much as you can handle. Maybe you just interact with close family. It would be okay to talk about that.

Remember: you've already convinced them that you struggle with a serious disability. If that remains the case, then you say that.

[lilysilver]

The best thing to do is start seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist immediately.

Are you seeing an MD that is treating your mental health? that is also helpful.

[dlantern]

I can't say I have any value to add other than the environment of television music shopping concrete examples of how you are affected would be a great idea. I get panic attacks in my sleep alot and in certain redundant triggered sitaution. It's not enough and especially disrespectful for some doctors to say to keep repeating to desensitize it can go eriely wrong with that approach.

[CharcoalGray]

Thanks to everyone....I'll keep you updated....

Any others want to chime in? Any and all advice would be much appreciated....

[Misssy2]

Check out the thread on "Everything you need to know about SSDI, SSI" that i posted on this page.