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Advice on needing to use tranquillizers to perform ESA descriptors please.
- Nathan1965
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11 months 1 week ago #284649 by Nathan1965
Advice on needing to use tranquillizers to perform ESA descriptors please. was created by Nathan1965
Hi, sorry if this has been asked before, but I couldn't find the answer anywhere here, or online.
I am applying for ESA for the first time after spending the last two years with severe general anxiety disorder and unable to work and living off savings, which have now run out.
For the descriptors where it asks what you are capable of doing with regard to coping with change, going out and coping with social situations, I am not sure how to answer. I have a repeat prescription for lorazepam to take when needed, and can only undertake those descriptors (and even then, not always) if I medicate with these beforehand. Without doing this, there is no way I would even be able to go shopping or anywhere else for that matter. I also live alone and never socialise and if I do need to see people, I take the Lorazapam in order to do so.
Obviously, I can only do this infrequently and so dramatically limit my activities so that I don't become addicted and only use the Lorazepam if I have no choice because the task is essential. Given this, does the DWP expect me then to answer Yes to these descriptors as it is sometimes possible to do them if sufficiently tranquillized? Or do I tick the “It varies” box (it doesn't really vary though) and explain, as I have just done?
If they found me fit for work based upon this, it wouldn't actually be true, as I cannot be constantly tranquillized as that would be impractical and dangerous and the increased rebound anxiety would finish me off anyway.
Can anyone advise please?
I am applying for ESA for the first time after spending the last two years with severe general anxiety disorder and unable to work and living off savings, which have now run out.
For the descriptors where it asks what you are capable of doing with regard to coping with change, going out and coping with social situations, I am not sure how to answer. I have a repeat prescription for lorazepam to take when needed, and can only undertake those descriptors (and even then, not always) if I medicate with these beforehand. Without doing this, there is no way I would even be able to go shopping or anywhere else for that matter. I also live alone and never socialise and if I do need to see people, I take the Lorazapam in order to do so.
Obviously, I can only do this infrequently and so dramatically limit my activities so that I don't become addicted and only use the Lorazepam if I have no choice because the task is essential. Given this, does the DWP expect me then to answer Yes to these descriptors as it is sometimes possible to do them if sufficiently tranquillized? Or do I tick the “It varies” box (it doesn't really vary though) and explain, as I have just done?
If they found me fit for work based upon this, it wouldn't actually be true, as I cannot be constantly tranquillized as that would be impractical and dangerous and the increased rebound anxiety would finish me off anyway.
Can anyone advise please?
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- BIS
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11 months 1 week ago #284673 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic Advice on needing to use tranquillizers to perform ESA descriptors please.
Hi Nathan1965
Be careful not to confuse the person reading what you're trying to convey.
1. You have a severe general anxiety disorder
2. You are too ill to work
3. You never socialise
4. Your illness has let you unable to cope with day-to-day activities.
5. You occasionally take lorazepam to cope with the stress of an activity like shopping that is essential, and even then, you can't always do it and you only do it occasionally.
I have written down the words from what you have said. Should you be ticking yes in the box? Not in my view. I would be ticking a big No to all the answers. Being "sufficiently tranquilised" is not an acceptable way for anyone to 'manage.'
BIS
Be careful not to confuse the person reading what you're trying to convey.
1. You have a severe general anxiety disorder
2. You are too ill to work
3. You never socialise
4. Your illness has let you unable to cope with day-to-day activities.
5. You occasionally take lorazepam to cope with the stress of an activity like shopping that is essential, and even then, you can't always do it and you only do it occasionally.
I have written down the words from what you have said. Should you be ticking yes in the box? Not in my view. I would be ticking a big No to all the answers. Being "sufficiently tranquilised" is not an acceptable way for anyone to 'manage.'
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: denby, TheHud, Nathan1965
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- Nathan1965
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11 months 1 week ago #284676 by Nathan1965
Replied by Nathan1965 on topic Advice on needing to use tranquillizers to perform ESA descriptors please.
Hi, Bis.
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I would probably put "It varies" without your input/interpretation, this forum really is invaluable.
One final question I forgot to ask please? My son comes down three times a week to bring shopping, help me with things I can't manage, act as a bridge to the outside world etc. He is the only person I ever see. Does this count as "Social Contact", for that descriptor? These questions are so impreise, it's very difficult to interpret them correctly.
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. I would probably put "It varies" without your input/interpretation, this forum really is invaluable.
One final question I forgot to ask please? My son comes down three times a week to bring shopping, help me with things I can't manage, act as a bridge to the outside world etc. He is the only person I ever see. Does this count as "Social Contact", for that descriptor? These questions are so impreise, it's very difficult to interpret them correctly.
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- Gordon
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11 months 1 week ago #284683 by Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by Gordon on topic Advice on needing to use tranquillizers to perform ESA descriptors please.
N
“Engage socially” means –
(a) interact with others in a contextually and socially appropriate manner;
(b) understand body language; and
(c) establish relationships.
Interacting with your son does count as engaging socially, if you have problems doing this then you should explain how this manifests itself.
Problems interacting with close relatives would suggest your issues are quite severe but it would not be unusual for you to have no problems with this due to the length of time you have known them and the frequency with which you see them.
Gordon
“Engage socially” means –
(a) interact with others in a contextually and socially appropriate manner;
(b) understand body language; and
(c) establish relationships.
Interacting with your son does count as engaging socially, if you have problems doing this then you should explain how this manifests itself.
Problems interacting with close relatives would suggest your issues are quite severe but it would not be unusual for you to have no problems with this due to the length of time you have known them and the frequency with which you see them.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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