Atos Medical - Depression

nad1611

Yes the original comment by a Doctor was;

"facial expressions are under the depression "banner" my assesment doctor could physically see them, i had no idea till he said"

Whilst what you say Suebnm is absolutely the case I don't think that these alone would be enough. It stands to reason that a person with depression would indeed behave in the way you have said and have certain behaviours in common, I really don't think they'd be a definitve medical diagnostic tool.

If that was the case whenever anyone who's had something bad happen to them would at some point be diagnosed with depression. It's the Depression banner I haven't heard before. Facial expressions could be a loose collection of markers, not enough in and of themselves to form a diagnosis. Maybe I'm reading too much into what was said, I thought it sounded like some new kind of diagnostic tool.

Suebnm

No you're right, facial expressions are absolutely not a definite diagnosis just a rather vague (IMO) diagnostic tool. 'Depression banner' is used for a variety of depressive illnesses - it encompasses mild, moderate and severe depression, it also encompasses rather unusually anxiety. Facial expressions are not used definitively because some particularly depressed people change their facial expressions to a more 'happy' one subconsciously when faced with a person 'in authority'. In fact we all can do this depressed or not - human nature and all that. Any psychiatrist or GP can see through this natural change and get to the nitty gritty of the illness by talking to the patient.

BigAunty

considerphlebas wrote: »

I have my Atos medical for ESA tomorrow and I'm going out of my mind with worry. Has anyone ever passed with just depression and anxiety? Seems like the answer is no.

Is anybody aware of any published statistics that breakdown the nature of the various illnesses that successful ESA claimants have or is there no such information?

Under Incapacity Benefit before ESA was bought in, I believe that mental health issues were cited by the largest proportion of claimants, overtaking joint issues.

System

BigAunty wrote: »

Is anybody aware of any published statistics that breakdown the nature of the various illnesses that successful ESA claimants have or is there no such information?

Under Incapacity Benefit before ESA was bought in, I believe that mental health issues were cited by the largest proportion of claimants, overtaking joint issues.

I think there is such data, just not sure where to find it but it exists because I'm sure I've seen it!

little_monkey

BigAunty wrote: »

Is anybody aware of any published statistics that breakdown the nature of the various illnesses that successful ESA claimants have or is there no such information?

Under Incapacity Benefit before ESA was bought in, I believe that mental health issues were cited by the largest proportion of claimants, overtaking joint issues.

Ask the DWP here

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/dwp

only_mee

Last Activity: 12-04-2014 11:05 AM
They haven't been back since

lukieboy96

My external face does not portray my internal feelings. I have Chronic Depression, PTSD and BPD.

only_mee

Still not been on, it's the last installment, and we can't sleep till we know

vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv

considerphlebas wrote: »

I have my Atos medical for ESA tomorrow and I'm going out of my mind with worry. Has anyone ever passed with just depression and anxiety? Seems like the answer is no.

Have you heard anything yet?

Morglin

It should also be noted that many physical disabilities can also drag depression in their wake - which could be through medication (many cause problems), through life limitations or through diagnosis.

Many HCP's are not qualified doctors, and I would imagine fail to understand that much about various disabilities, physical or mental.

Which is why, everyone, whatever they have got, should ensure they have plenty of reports and back up from doctors and consultants.

Give plenty of info as to how the condition affects you, and how and why it would prevent you from seeking work.

If it has to go to appeal, tribunals will take more notice of those reports, than anything an HCP thinks (unless they are doctors).

It's also NOT about actual diagnosis, it's about how whatever it is, would prevent a person from working.

Lin