01-21-07 @ 7:19 am EST

Thanks for the notes/mails that were left on the last entry. I realize I shouldn't take things so personally, but this cancellation came in the exact same way as the first one I got from Old Psychologist--so of course it just reinforces a feeling that I'm simply not MEANT to get any help. I know that's irrational, but it was exactly how it felt. Plus, to be put off for an entire MONTH, especially after New Psychologist basically spent a session telling me to start believing in my own importance, kind of sends me mixed signals. I realize such things usually can't be helped...but I've just gone through so much crap in the past year alone that this is REALLY frustrating me. It was a lack of time and interest that made me clam up on the old psychologist; I really didn't want the same thing to happen again. -_-

Anyway...a letter received from Lawyer on Saturday. Results of a form he had us give Old Psychologist a little bit ago. (Not proofed--any typos are mine.)

*****

MEDICAL OPINION RE: ABILITY TO DO WORK-RELATED ACTIVITIES
(MENTAL)

NAME: Rachel H.
SSN: [withheld]

To determine your patient's ability to do work-related activities on a day-to-day basis in a regular work setting, please give us your opinion--based on your examination--of how your patient's mental/emotional capabilities are affected by the impairment(s). Consider the medical history, the chronicity of findings (or lack thereof), and the expected duration of any work-related limitations, but not the individual's age, sex or work experience.

For each activity shown below:

a. Describe your patient's ability to perform the activity according to the following terms:

*Unlimited or Very Good: Ability to function in this area is more than satisfactory.
*Good: Ability to function in this area is limited but satisfactory.
*Fair: Ability to function in this area is seriously limited, but not precluded.
*Poor or None: No useful ability to function in this area.

b. Identify the particular medical or clinical findings (e. g., mental status examination, behavior, intelligence test results, symptoms) which support your opinion regarding any limitations.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU RELATE PARTICULAR MEDICAL FINDINGS TO ANY REDUCTION IN CAPACITY; THE USEFULNESS OF YOUR OPINION DEPENDS ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH YOU DO THIS.

*****

I. MENTAL ABILITIES AND APTITUDE NEEDED TO DO UNSKILLED WORK
Unlimited or Very Good/Good/Fair/Poor or None

1. Remember work-like procedures--Good
2. Understand and remember very short and simple instructions--Good
3. Carry out very short and simple instructions--Fair
4. Maintain attention for two hour segment--NA
5. Maintain regular attendance and be punctual within customary, usually strict tolerances--Fair
6. Sustain and ordinary routine without special supervision--Fair
7. Work in coordination with or proximity to others without being unduly distracted--Poor or None
8. Make simple work-related decisions--Poor or None
9. Complete a normal workday and workweek without interruptions from psychologically based symptoms--Poor or None
10. Perform at a consistent pace without an unreasonable number and length of rest periods--Fair
11. Ask simple questions or request assistance--Poor or None
12. Accept instructions and respond appropriately to criticism from supervisors--Poor or None
13. Get along with co-workers or peers without unduly distracting them or exhibiting behavioral extremes--Poor or None
14. Respond appropriately to changes in a routine work setting--Poor or None
15. Deal with normal work stress--Poor or None
16. Be aware of normal hazards and take appropriate precautions--Good

17. Explain limitations falling into the fair and poor categories and identify the medical/clinical findings that support this assessment: Because of Rachel's severe social phobia/anxiety, I do not see her as able to function at any type of job in the community/working with any other people.

II. MENTAL ABILITIES AND APTITUDES NEEDED TO DO SEMISKILLED AND SKILLED WORK
Unlimited or Very Good/Good/Fair/Poor or None

1. Understand and remember detailed instructions--Good
2. Carry out detailed instructions--Fair
3. Set realistic goals or make plans independently of others--Poor or None
4. Deal with stress of semiskilled and skilled work--Poor or None

5. Explain limitations falling into the fair and poor categories and identify the medical/clinical findings that support this assessment: Rachel is intelligent and creative but is unable to work with others in any capacity due to severe social phobia/anxiety.

III. MENTAL ABILITIES AND APTITUDES NEEDED TO DO PARTICULAR TYPES OF JOBS
Unlimited or Very Good/Good/Fair/Poor or None

1. Interact appropriately with the general public--Poor or None
2. Maintain socially appropriate behavior--Poor or None
3. Adhere to basic standards of neatness and cleanliness--Fair
4. Travel in unfamiliar place--Poor or None
5. Use public transportation--Poor or None

6. Explain limitations falling into the fair and poor categories and identify the medical/clinical findings that support this assessment: See previous--Rachel does not drive.

IV. OTHER WORK-RELATED ACTIVITIES

State any other work-related activities which are affected by the impairments and indicate how the activities are affected. What are the medical/clinical findings that support this? See above/previous. Rachel is also diagnosed w/ Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Major Depressive disorder and Schizotypal Personality Disorder which all affect daily (& hence, job) functioning.

V. On the Average, how often do you anticipate that your patient's impairments or treatment would cause your patient to be absent from work?

Never
Less than once a month
About once a month
About twice a month
About three times a month
*More than three times a month

VI. CAPABILITY TO MANAGE BENEFITS

Can your patient manage benefits in his or her own best interest?

*Yes
No

Date of last examination or treatment (on which this assessment is based): 11/29/06 & 12/20/06

The foregoing deficits have been in effect since 1996.

If completed by a counselor/therapist, a co-signature is required by an M.D., D.O., or Ph.D.

Signature:

[Psychologist]
[Psychiatrist]