Question:
What is the real purpose of the psych. evaluation?
What are some of the questions asked, and how long does the interview take? Has anyone ever failed? — Miss G. (posted on June 10, 2001)
June 10, 2001
The isurance companies require it because they want to know that the person
is of a stable enough mind to follow the required diets etc. If you have a
compulsive obsessive disorder towards food, for example, they would
probably not approve you as you would more than likely not be able to
control yourself. They would require you to get that under control first.
In the place i went to the questions were all on computer and asked
everything from are you happy to do you here voices. After it is printed
out the psychologist goes through it and gives you the diagnosises that the
questions point to. The guy i went to went over the questions he wanted to
elaborate on.
— paula B.
June 10, 2001
According to North American Association for the Study of Obesity :
"Bariatric surgery should not be attempted in patients who have a
history of noncompliance or have psychotic illnesses, including
schizophrenia and personality disorders, suicidal behavior, substance
abuse, and uncontrolled depression.
Psychological Evaluation
To properly assess the patient's psychological well-being, a
preoperative psychological evaluation ought to beneficially include,
as deemed appropriate, screening for depression, suicide, eating
disorders, and psychosis. In addition, history should include any
possible psychological trauma, such as sexual abuse, marital
dysfunction, or posttraumatic stress disorders, plus other life
stressors, such as a history of substance abuse, the patient's level
of self-esteem, and quality-of-life measures.
Preoperative Patient Education
As an adjunct to the evaluations detailed above, it is important for
the patient to know the nature of the proposed surgical procedure,
its risks, the expected weight loss over time, as well as the
required postoperative dietary intake, and level of physical
activity. In addition, the anticipated lifestyle changes, the need
for compliance and follow-up visits, and the anticipated health
benefits of the surgery should all be communicated to the patient in
the preoperative period."
— X X.
June 11, 2001
It's not only the insurance companies which require the psych evaluation,
but generally the surgeon and the hospital where the procedure is taking
place.
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The reason for it is to determine the patient is of sound mind before
enduring this life altering surgery. If you have a history of depression
before you will most likely have it afterwards, maybe even more so. The
evaluation explores the patient's reasons for undergoing this procedure and
to ensure they know exactly what they're getting themselves into.
— [Anonymous]
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