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An Approach to the Patient Seeking Psychiatric Disability Benefits

Dr. Mischoulon is Instructor in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, Massachusetts. Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Mischoulon, Department of Psychiatry, MGH, WAC 812, 15 Parkman Street, Boston, MA 02114; e-mail: dmischoulon{at}partners.org

Psychiatric disability determination is a complicated task for the psychiatrist. With filings for disability benefits increasing, the task is becoming unavoidable. The increasing social cost of disability requires that psychiatrists learn how to respond appropriately to petitions for psychiatric disability benefits. However, there is a significant dearth of education on psychiatric disability assessment. The various disability programs are reviewed; criteria of disability determination and difficulties involved in making an assessment are examined. Characteristics of disability petitioners are reviewed, and practical suggestions are provided for psychiatrists on how to approach a psychiatric disability evaluation. Finally, recommendations for the inclusion of psychiatric disability assessment training in residency programs are outlined.

Key Words: Disability Benefits • Psychiatric Disability • Diagnostic Criteria

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