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If you are filing for social security disability (SSD) or SSI benefits based on a condition that involves depression, you should take every step possible to back up your claim with solid medical evidence. This is true whether you are listing depression as a primary disabling factor, or as a secondary symptom of a broader ailment (for example, chronic fatigue syndrome or chronic back pain). Many individuals who list depression on a disability application have not recently been treated for their condition, and some have no record of ever receiving treatment. Without recent medical records from a qualified mental health provider (psychiatrist or psychologist) to confirm an ongoing state of clinical depression, the disability examiner or administrative judge attempting to evaluate the claim will have no choice but to order a consultative exam (CE) to determine your current mental state. Consultative exams are medical exams ordered and paid for by social security. In the case of depression, a mental CE is ordered with a psychologist or psychiatrist who will provide a current, full psychiatric and psychological profile of the claimant. However, if you have listed depression on your application but have no prior history of treatment for your condition, you will likely be sent to a mental status exam, which is generally not as in depth as a full psychological profile. The mental status exam will simply supply the examiner or judge with an overview of your current mental state, including observations about demeanor, speech, memory, alertness, ability to concentrate, and ability to adequately interpret simple concepts, etc. It is rare that a mental status exam will provide a claimant with enough medical evidence to qualify for disability benefits. Yet, as with all consultative exams scheduled by social security, you have no choice but to participate—without recent medical evidence your case cannot move forward, and refusing a CE can in itself be grounds for dismissal of your claim. In addition, a mental CE can be helpful if you have a documented history of treatment for depression if it confirms what your medical records already indicate. Because it is unlikely that a mental consultative exam will provide enough evidence to support a diagnosis of clinical, disabling depression, those who plan to file for disability based on this or any other mental impairment should be sure to see a mental health professional who will provide a medical diagnosis and record of ongoing treatment to support their claims. In addition, it is critical to take all medications for depression as prescribed by your physician, since failing to do so can result in a denial of disability benefits. 
Social Security Disability and SSI Disability Information
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1. Reconsideration - request an appeal 2. Disability Qualify 3. SSI and SSDI Disability Claims 4. Social Security SSI Disability Process 5. Disability Benefits for a mental condition 6. Social Security Determinations 7. Social Security examination for disability 8. SSI benefits cases 9. Disability Decision, winning or losing |
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