Psychiatric Evaluation

[EmDubs]

Hi There,

As some of you may have read from my other thread I am due to have a Pre Op Psychiatric Evaluation and I wondered if anyone has had one of these done?

What sort of things will they ask?

 

[shelbell]

It's quiet common for NHS patients. At mine we went through my childhood, all major life events and relationships, when and how I gained weight, how I tried to lose weight, what successful diets I did and how I felt about them, what emotional and practical support I had including how hubby felt about the op and my weight, and how I saw my future post op.

Mine lasted over 2 hours and was an emotional but very cathartic experience. Be honest and don't hold anything back and you'll be fine.

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[EmDubs]

Hi ShelBell,

Thank you for your response.

I'm a little worried that they may say I have BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) which is not funded as they don't see it will make any improvement on the patients life.

It would be like going through all this for nothing.

 

[shelbell]

I would say just be honest and trust the system to do what's right for you.

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[Kevin1708]

Hi
Try reading this . .
http://www.move.va.gov/download/Res.../NCPRecsforPreOpPsychEvalforwebposting706.pdf

Best wishes

Kevin x

 

[EmDubs]

Thank you both,

And Kevin that link seems pretty useful...

I don't drink, I don't smoke, I've been prescribed anti-depressants in the past but not taken them because I didn't want to rely on them and not only that, it wouldn't be taking the problem away. I've never been hospitalised because of my depression or threatened suicide.

On the report written by my psychologist it states I 'present symptoms consistent with Major Depressive Disorder which places her in the severely depressed range'.

I just hope they dont refuse me and try and palm me off with medication...

 

[Kevin1708]

I am certainly not an expert, but quite often experts have to justify their job and their expertise !

We all feel ‘down’ sometimes . . . . . . Personally, I would be more concerned about someone who is always ‘up’ – if you’re down you are ‘depressive’ if you’re up your ‘manic’ and if you fluctuate you’re a bi polar manic depressive (labels labels labels) what is important is how you feel . . . I am sure your consultant has explained that surgery is not a magic wand and that even when completed you still have a great deal of work to do (a testament to those on the losers bench at WLS.com) – I was actually quite taken back by the fail rate and the lengths some people will go to just to beat the band (though I have opted for open bypass) – I think the psyc evaluation is more about making sure you understand what the risks are and the lifestyle changes that follow. Good luck xx

 

[dottychic]

I have suffered with depression for years Em and I have taken anti-depressants for years too and my evaluation went well. Like Shell said I was totally honest about my feelings surrounding WLS and my depression and shown her I had a good idea of what surgery could do for me and what it wouldnt change and I did well. She phoned the surgeons secretary whilst I was there and added me to the list Good Luck XX

 

[BlueDiamond]

I Had one of these ( was told this is the norm) like e1 says be upfront and honest, my psyche doc was lovely, he asked about my eating habits to ascertain if I have/had an eating disorder etc, and my general frame of mind, I had never had a psyche appointment before and was very nervous and I told him as well. Wishing you all the best and let us know how u get on. x x

 

[yorkiegal]

I have a twenty year history of mental illness, two hospital admissions, a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder and a history of self harm. They still put me on the waiting list for the op, so don't fret. They just want to know that you understand what life will be like post op and that you have a support system if needed.

 

[EmDubs]

Wow...

You guys are amazing. I can't Thank You all enough for your support and words of wisdom.

I'll keep you all posted on my other thread 'Save My Marriage' as to how I get on, or if I have any questions in the mean time.

xXx

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