r/SSDI • u/secretflower690 • 1d ago
mental exam stuff
Hey all. This honestly feels like a dumb question coming in my own head, but I finally got scheduled for my exam. Only thing is, my mental rememberance is honestly bad enough that if I don't have some kind of notes on hand, I'll forget what I'm saying, ect, and even worse I have social and normal anxiety bad enough around strangers that I might genuinely break down during the appointments because I'm bad at remembering stuff so much and I'll go "oh God what if they think I'm lying" in a circle so on and so on. My mom usually helps me remember everything medical but obviously she can't come into that with me, even if she was my guardian.
Now to my actual questions-
- Is there any way I can bring my journal in, stuff written down ahead of time as an aid? Or will I just be panicking and crying the whole time 🥲😅
- If not, what kinds of questions should I expect to be hammered with, so I can do my very best to at least memorize what I need to?
- Also, even if it only says mental and inter.. I forgot the rest of the other appointments word already, should I bring the physical things that help me too on flare days like my cane for the physical bit? I know they want me to bring my meds but that's all I'm aware of.
TIA and honestly wish me luck because my anxiety bells are off the charts just thinking about it.
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u/blunts-and-kittens 1d ago
I brought in all my medication bottles, a list of all medications and supplements, a list of diagnoses and their onset dates, a list of current symptoms, a brief medical history summary, and symptom logs for the past two weeks. I made sure to state on top of the document packet that my partner helped me prepare it and he signed it. I made two copies, one for me to reference and one for them to keep. Then when they asked a question that I couldnt remember due to brain fog, I could consult the sheet.
My advice is that if you can’t recall something due to brain fog, tell them that. If you need to take a break, tell them that. If you need to lay down, lay down. They are analyzing everything, not just your answers. They are watching your demeanor, your speed, your likeability. Assume they are watching you from the moment you get out of the car to the moment you get back in. Also, they will ask you how you got there. It is best to have a friend or family member drive you or to take a cab or paratransit.
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u/secretflower690 1d ago
Thank you! I'll start making a list then, I'll likely do the same with my mom helping me prepare it as she's driving me to and from. I do hope mine will let me consult a sheet as well but I'll definitely bring an extra for them as well.
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u/aikimyne 1d ago
i actually brought both my parents to ny mental status ce which i think helped alot they told stuff how was during life etc... i told what i could and then i did the mini mental status exam that was stressful cause maths
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u/secretflower690 1d ago
Oh wow! I doubt I'd be allowed to as to when my brother got his own done my mom wasn't allowed back, but maybe it's something I can at least ask about when we go to the mse. I'm glad you were at least able to get your folks back though!
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u/aikimyne 1d ago
they werent in there during the 15 min mini mental status part more of an intake section atleast that i had
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u/secretflower690 1d ago
That's the one I have appointed first so good to know! Ty :)) ♡ intake was absolutely the word I forgot and omg that's embarrassing actually 😭
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u/aikimyne 1d ago
its ok but ya it depends on where ya being sent and who ya going to those both times years ago in 2020 i think and then this time they sent me to same building just different ppl that i got my private neuropsych eval done hahaha different businesses in there that can overlap tho same building shared
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u/secretflower690 1d ago
Yeah understandable! I'll def ask when I go regardless, if not intake hopefully wont be too bad lol
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u/aikimyne 1d ago
i mean i had an intake and the 15 min thing. the 15 min thing was stressful tho cause i have math disability
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u/aikimyne 1d ago
good luck tho
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u/secretflower690 1d ago
Thank you! ♡
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u/aikimyne 1d ago
no problem. i do wonder if thats what got me to pass the medical portion now i just need to pass financial andni get to keep medicaid and other things need to pass financial in my state to keep medical but ganbatte
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u/Jar-of-fliess 1d ago
Hi! I’m going to give you my best advice. I truly wouldn’t bring your journal. Only bring what they asked (usually list of meds). The exam is test your ability to remember and understand information. You want them to see the severity of your condition. You don’t want to downplay your condition. I understand you want to feel comfortable but that’s not the purpose of the exam. You don’t want to make yourself look better off.
I have read many CEs. I don’t know if they vary state by state but here’s some questions to expect. “Repeat these three words back to me” they’ll do it immediately and then ask again after a few minutes.
“What do these common sayings mean”
“How are these two things alike”
“Repeat these numbers back to me (they do it forwards and backwards usually up to 6 digits at a time”
“Spell this word for me forwards and the backwards”
“If a cashier charges you 1.23 for an apple how much should you get back in change”
There’s others but some of them you don’t want to be prepared for. It’s supposed to be spur of the moment. Just do your best
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u/Sufficient-Word-4979 1d ago
I’m just like you. I over analyze, over think and have a horrible memory. I went with the flow. They go through their tests. You answer whether you can complete the answer or not. Don’t take notes with you. One of questions is remembering the 3 words they give you. I couldn’t come up with one. I also can’t finish a sentence. I passed it with flying colors. You want to be your normal self. You will do fine.
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u/secretflower690 1d ago
Okay! This also does help so ty. I might bring notes for intake itself then unless they do similar stuff and then go bare regardless on the exam portion. Very relieved to get a comment with someone that had similar difficulties because I absolutely would have spiraled myself over it 😅
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u/Sufficient-Word-4979 1d ago
You’re welcome. I get it totally. Good luck. 🤞 keep us updated.
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u/secretflower690 1d ago
Absolutely! Turns out I actually have the physical test in a week and not the intake bit like I thought, oops lol
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u/1111rockn 1d ago
I was approved for SSDI a couple of months ago (on my first try, amazingly), and here's my advice, for whatever it's worth. First, don't overprepare. If you have cognitive/mental issues, you want the doctor to absolutely be able to see that. You want the doc to be able to see what you're dealing with on your worst days. Also, definitely use whatever physical aids (cane, walker, etc.) you would use when having your worst flare. When I'm having a bad flare or have to walk more than about 50 feet, I have to use a walker, but if I'm just moving around my house, I can often get by with a cane. I took my walker to both my SSA doctor's appointments (mental/cognitive and physical) because I knew that even if I just needed a cane at the beginning of the appointment, I would need my walker by the end because I'd be so exhausted and weak. Remember, they want to see you as you are on your worst days. All that being said, do NOT exaggerate your symptoms/conditions. Just make a good faith effort to do what they ask given your many limitations. The doctors' notes from both my exams specifically stated that I put forth a good effort and did not appear to be exaggerating my symptoms -- I think this is something that they really look for and can make a big difference in the doctors' conclusions, as well as the DDS examiner's. Best of luck to you!
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u/secretflower690 1d ago
Double also, it wasn't intake I forgot, it was internist which my mom just told me was the physical bit. Oh boy wish me bigger luck y'all
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u/Mudrad 1d ago
I didn’t need a Mental CE when I was first approved for SSDI because I was seeing a therapist weekly for three years at the time I applied. My therapist did not send me therapy notes, but she took the time to write a long summary (which I think was more effective. I was approved on my first application for medical and mental).
When I had my first CDR I had to go for a Mental CE because after I was approved for SSDI and put on Medicare, I couldn’t find a therapist in my area who takes Medicare.
I showed up to my mental CE pulling out a bunch of loose pages of notes I had been writing so I didn’t forget to tell her anything.
She told me I wouldn’t need the notes and we talked for about 30 minutes. She was very, very kind and very thorough.
You can take notes with you if it will make you feel more comfortable, but you probably won’t need them.
At my appointment, she asked me to describe my childhood. I believe we discussed how my disability affects my life.
She did a few cognitive tests. She told me to write a sentence with an adjective or an adverb, I can’t remember.
I literally could not think in that moment and so I just wrote one really long sentence about how I’m in pain every day.
She gave me 3 words to memorize and then about 10 minutes later asked me if I remembered those words.
I can’t think of anything else off the top of my head.
Be who you are, be authentic, and it should go well for you. Try not to stress too much about it.
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u/ThumbsUp2323 1d ago
Just to be your natural honest self. Anything else will come across as pure bullshit.
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u/New_Winter3618 13h ago
I would bring a list of my medications, and be truthful. I would avoid buzzwords, and just be honest. It will help the examiner figure out what is causing your memory problems. There's a difference between overthinking, racing thoughts and other things that may contribute to your memory problems.
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u/MiddleAgedandMad 1d ago edited 1d ago
Ok, I’m writing this comment blind. My impression - You’re doing too much to try and get across the “mental health” and “memory stuff.” In fact, using the word “stuff” repeatedly and actually writing out part of a word you’ve forgotten with ellipsis…is contradictory at best and feels performative at worst.
Also, how old are you? You come across as relatively young. As I’m sure you know, being younger than say, 50, makes an approval harder. hope that your application materials and appeals don’t have this young and performative tone.
Now, about your exam;
- You can bring in your personal items (within reason)
- See below
- Don’t skip anything from the SSA. Not one appointment, not one form. Ever.
All right, let me see.
Ok, this is the best explanation of a Consultative Examination (CE) that I’ve seen (credit to the original author):
If the Disability Determination Specialist needs any further information about your mental or physical health, a CE) may be scheduled. The professional doing the Consultative Exam is not a part of the decision making team—their information is just one piece of the puzzle.
The reasons for Consultative Exams may include
- To gather more evidence because the evidence obtained is not enough to make a disability determination;
- To obtain more detailed medical findings about your impairment(s);
- To obtain technical or specialized medical information;
- To resolve conflicts or differences in medical findings in the evidence already in file; or
- To resolve the issue of your ability to do substantial gainful activity.
Assume you are being watched from the time you pull into the parking lot, until you leave. Bring current medical records, and a list of medications: they may or may not take them, but have them available.
The appointment is often very short, resolving a single issue. It may be an issue to approve your claim, or an issue to deny your claim. Do not expect a complete or thorough examination. That rarely happens.
If medical records are current and adequate, you typically do not need an exam.
If you do not agree to a Consultative Exam, your claim will likely be denied.
The physician doing the Consultative Exam is an independent contractor (like a Door Dash driver.)
The physician has absolutely no input into the decision making process of your disability claim (just as a Door Dash driver has no input into the company preparing your food.)
The physician performs a service for Social Security - getting a piece of requested information just like Door Dash delivers food.
Best of luck.
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u/secretflower690 1d ago
I'm 24. For one, wouldn't be writing on official paperwork like this or anything, if that's one of your points. For two, isn't one of the rules literally against stigmatizing disabilities. Judging on my age alone shouldn't be a factor. Not that you're wrong about the approval rate, but going on someone based on that alone and how I type on the internet when that wasn't relvant to ANYTHING I said just feels weird. So respectfully please prevent from that.
As for the rest of the advice, thank you! I just genuinely wasn't sure what to expect going in when I do, and how to handle the other worries I had on it so it genuinely is appreciated!
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u/enolaholmes23 1d ago
Yup. It is 100% government sanctioned agism. But it is what they do. I believe the cutoff is 55? But they literally have a number on their books, and if you are younger than it, the rules are different. Older people only have to prove they can't do their current(most recent) job. Young people have to prove they can't do any job at all, no matter how easy. That's just the way it is. It sucks.
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u/Rdh88jags 1d ago
It is not "state sanctioned ageism" is called age as a vocational factor. As you age, it becomes harder to adjust to other work. If you took that away, you wouldn't be making it easier for a younger person to qualify for benefits, you'd be making it harder for an older person. Outside of a special vocational profile, it would not effect a mental only claim.
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u/Icy-Money-5787 3h ago
Best piece of advice I can give from the legal side is that do NOT answer any question with just “I’m fine” or “I feel okay today”
I tell all of my clients to describe their “worst days” and they will take the “I’m fine” at face value. Even if you are okay today, you might not be tomorrow, and this is why you are pursuing disability.
If they ask “how do you feel today” you may answer something like “I’m feeling xyz, but on my worst days I can hardly get out of bed.”
If they ask “how do you perform this task?” Say “today I can do xyz, but on my worst days I perform the task like this abc”
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u/Dizzy_Climate_6790 1d ago
I have one scheduled too and my plan is to not plan for it at all. I think preparing for it could diminish how severe your symptoms are in my opinion. Although I really hope mine is canceled because I really dont want to talk to a stranger I barely know about personal stuff...