Advice on needing to use tranquillizers to perform ESA descriptors please.

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?

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.