PIP Mental State Examination

bfoandc

I've been moderating for about ten years and I have not seen a full MSE reported by a member either from the assessment or the report.

There are two examinations, a basic one of thirty questions that takes about ten minutes to be administered by a clinician trained in its use and detailed questionnaire that takes at least half an hour to do and requires two clinicians with specific training, one to run the test and the other to observe the person while they answer.

The basic test, I don't think I have seen more than three elements used based on what has been reported by members is not definitive and at best is an indicator that additional testing is required. Much like the claimant filling to rock or their having good eye contact, the "MSE" given is really not sufficient to make a benefit decision on whether they need prompting or assistance as it often is.

The test appears to be used by assessors that I would characterise as being at the less professional end of the spectrum, Decision Makers who have no medical training often give the results unreasonable emphasis when making their Decision.

To answer your questions;

1. It is not standard but is something that we regularly see but bear in mind that the majority of posting on the form is done by claimants who have not received the award they expected, rather than the significantly larger number that have.

2. I am not aware of any reference to a Mental State Examination in any of the PIP documentation, it is possible that it is included in the training material but there is no way of knowing as there is virtually none of this in the public domain.

Gordon