Psych Eval

[LittleLou 31]

What does the psych evaluation include?

I've openly admitted to being depressed because of my weight and how I look. Is that okay to tell the psychologist? What are they really looking for when they are evaluating me?

[michelle2323 5]

Hi! A psych eval typically includes a brief history of your life, current concerns, obstacles, mental health diagnosis (if any). It is perfectly fine to be honest with the evaluator, most of us have "something" to deal with and depression is common. I think mostly they are looking for mental illness things that will not allow you to be successful with a surgery. (Or at least that is what I was told by a colleague.) It isn't a huge deal, don't stress over it. You will be just FINE!!!

[PGee 318]

Don't worry about it........be yourself and truthful............otherwise you'll only hurt yourself in the long run.

Every psych eval is different.......they want to make sure you are in the right place for surgery (mentally).

I've never been treated/diagnosed for depression....however, before my son's funeral I was prescribed atavan because I was freaking out "a bit" LOL At the eval, we talked about everything under the sun, family, relationships, the loss of my son, and everything went fine....then she asked how I felt about my weight, and that's when I cried LOL I was embarrassed, disappointed in myself....yada yada....

Some people said they had to fill out a questionnaire....but that wasn't the case for me.....

in fact, if I find myself struggling and going back into bad habits, I will seek out her help for therapy.....she did say that if I find that I'm experiencing anxiety post op, and sometimes people do, that I may want to go back on atavan for awhile and seek therapy--it was an evaluation, but I also benefited from it as well.......good luck!

[LittleLou 31]

Don't worry about it........be yourself and truthful............otherwise you'll only hurt yourself in the long run.

Every psych eval is different.......they want to make sure you are in the right place for surgery (mentally).

I've never been treated/diagnosed for depression....however, before my son's funeral I was prescribed atavan because I was freaking out "a bit" LOL At the eval, we talked about everything under the sun, family, relationships, the loss of my son, and everything went fine....then she asked how I felt about my weight, and that's when I cried LOL I was embarrassed, disappointed in myself....yada yada....

Some people said they had to fill out a questionnaire....but that wasn't the case for me.....

in fact, if I find myself struggling and going back into bad habits, I will seek out her help for therapy.....she did say that if I find that I'm experiencing anxiety post op, and sometimes people do, that I may want to go back on atavan for awhile and seek therapy--it was an evaluation, but I also benefited from it as well.......good luck!

Thank you, and I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. I have three boys myself and well, I just couldn't imagine:(

[ajayb19 12]

My Psych Eval. consisted of a 5 min. Q & A. My psychologist sat behind a computer screen and read off a check list of questions.

Who did you grow up with?

Do you have a good relationship with your parents?

Do you have a significant other?

Do you have support at home for after surgery?

Are you now or ever been on Medication for depression?

Highest level of education?

All my answers were brief and basically one word answers. He didn't go into depth on anything and never wanted any elaboration. Honestly, I left there wondering how anyone doesn't pass with him.

I suppose every psychologist is different in his evaluation, but best thing you can do for yourself is be honest about everything. In every consult during this process, because withholding information can only hurt you in the end.

Good Luck!

[PGee 318]

Thank you, and I'm so sorry for the loss of your son. I have three boys myself and well, I just couldn't imagine:(

Thanks....time helps.

Let us know how the psych eval goes.