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ESA physical & mental descriptors
- sue
- Topic Author

Not sure if I have read the info correctly so could some one clarify for me please?
With regard to the new ESA50 01/13 form & assessments is it correct that under the mental health problem section they are now taking into account the side effects from medication taken for physical health problems?
Eg - the section regarding 'staying awake/conscious' during the day - I don't have any mental issues but the combination of painkillers I take causes me drowsiness and some days I can sit down and cannot stay awake! They can also make me feel as if I'm 'not here' - if that makes sense!
Thanks in advance

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- Gordon
- Offline
sue wrote: Putting this as a separate question as my other post is quite long
Not sure if I have read the info correctly so could some one clarify for me please?
With regard to the new ESA50 01/13 form & assessments is it correct that under the mental health problem section they are now taking into account the side effects from medication taken for physical health problems?
Eg - the section regarding 'staying awake/conscious' during the day - I don't have any mental issues but the combination of painkillers I take causes me drowsiness and some days I can sit down and cannot stay awake! They can also make me feel as if I'm 'not here' - if that makes sense!
Thanks in advance
No, it is the opposite, you can only score points in the Mental Health section if you are suffering from a mental health problem, however, you should still include any relevant details on the form, especially if they are significant, and under other circumstances could score you points.
Unfortunately, some of these issues may only be resolved at appeal.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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