Daignosed Anxiety And Depression

[huskerfanfl]

I went to see the VA psychiatrist yesterday and was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. Although I have not seen the written diagnosis (probably is not done yet anyway), the psychiatrist stated that the aniety and depression are tied in to my other disabilites. I go in on the 29th to decide my course of counseling and then once a month for three months to learn coping strategies. I have alos been prescribed Celexa as well as another pill to take as needed for sleep.

Is this all normal?

At what point would I/should I put in a new disability claim? I would think they would want to see how I was doing on the medicine first anyway.

[john999]

I agree with Pete. They are your records and under the Privacy Act you have the right to see them. They are not protecting the public or protecting you when they deny you access to your own records. The VA is trying to protect themselves. They continue to encourage the discriminatory attitude towards those with emotional injuries as opposed to physical injuries. The VA, above all, should understand that vets get emotional as well as physical injuries during service. Until very recently having PTSD or any other emotional disorder was the kiss of death to a military career. Just the fact that I requested mental health counseling while in the service put me in the "shitbird" category back in 1971. I don't think the VA accuses vets of fraud because they pursue a disability for a GSW that is documented in their records, but they do accuse those with PTSD and other emotional injuries of fraud etc. Their is a double standard regarding injuries and illnesses of the mind as opposed to the body. Many vets have both but are discouraged from getting treatment for the mental side of the equation. Things have changed from my day but there is still a black mark against those with emotional illness.

[huskerfanfl]

You are absolutely correct John. Although I must say that even with physical injuries, there is sometimes doubt cast upon a service member by people in his unit. This is especially true if the service member is combat arms and the inability to perform physically is indeed frowned upon.

[Patrick428]

I would suggest those individuals to read the APA (American Psychological Association) and the APA (American Psychiatric Association) ethical guidelines for disclosure of client information:

4.05 Disclosures

a: Psychologists may disclose confidential information with the appropriate consent of the organizational client, the individual client/patient, or another legally authorized person on behalf of the client/patient unless prohibited by law.

b:..............(1) provide needed professional services; (2) obtain appropriate professional consultations; (3) protect the client/patient, psychologist, or others from harm; or (4) obtain payment for services from a client/patient, in which instance disclosure is limited to the minimum that is necessary to achieve the purpose.

Part a: the word "May" is the keyword here. It is not required. Part b (3) indicates the welfare of the public. Having been a psycholgist for more than 20+ years, I can attest to having to testify at Psychology Board Hearings concerning complaints filed against other psychologists for disclosing information improperly which usually resulted in suspension or revocation of a license. Confidentiality is the heart of all patient and ethical issues. Therefore, it is a judgement call as to whether a psychologit or psychiatrist wishes to furnish or disclose information to his patient or others. It is not so with medical files which in all cases must be disclosed.

Patrick

Edited August 13, 2006 by Patrick428

[Pete53]

Patrick:

Apologize for VA abuse of patients all you want but not disclosing info to a patient for Mental Conditions should only apply to people who are psychotic and not to Veterans with non threatening diagnosis. It has been a pattern for VA to use confidentiality and the regs you posted to shied their negligence and unprofessional conduct.

[Patrick428]

Pete53,

I am not apologizing for anything the VA has done or will do in the future. Because I worked for them should not be confused with me being pro VA. I'm not. I had to struggle just like the many others to get 100% out of them, and I had 2 years of combat in Vietnam, wounded twice, and all the nice little ribbons that go with it. I am merely stating what the internal regulations are with the VA regarding disclosure of records. Having worked for them a number of years and having been in private clinics, and private practice as well, the ethical rules apply to whatever master you work for. The VA has a strick guideline about disclosing mental health records. I did not make the rule, but when I was employed there that was a deep and entrenched rule. It just was not done. At least where I worked.

I have worked in large private clinics where the rules for disclosure was far more liberal than other places. In private practice before I sent a patients information to either the patient or a third party, I always discussed the matter with the patient first and had them give me a written consent.

In the latter example, lets say the patient works for a city government and is a homosexual and the individual does not want anyone to know, but is having some anger problems at his work. Do you suggest I turn over all the record to the patient or city, or just those that fit the problem at hand? Sometimes the patient is not cognizant enough to know differences, and may accidently give the records to his employer not understanding the ramifications of doing so.

Rules are made for a purpose whether we like them or not. When the welfare of the patient looks to be at risk, then I am on the side of being more safe than sorry.

Is the VA doing this to screw veterans? IMHO I would say no! A lot of veterans are receiving compensation for their illnesses and injuries. It only goes to show that the system does work, but sometimes mistakes are made.

Patrick

Edited August 13, 2006 by Patrick428

[john999]

Patients have the right to see and get copies of their own medical records. They may, in some cases, have to pay for the copies but they have a right to them even if they are mental health records. In my case the VA would mail them to me after I signed a release.