Visa 189 - Medical assessment mental health question

[Picachu]

My questions relate to form 26 "medical examination".

 

My case is as follows: I have in the past spoken to my doctor about feelings of anxiety and depression. I have never taken time off work and never been on medication. In fact, when I received a print-out of my medical record, it did not contain any mention of these. I assume this is due to the fact there has never been a formal diagnosis. However, in the past couple of years I was assessed for psychotherapy and, despite not being diagnosed with any condition/disorder, have agreed to attending group analytic therapy sessions which help me talk about my feelings. The only record of my symptoms is in the communication between my doctor and the community health/psychotherapy department.

 

The main question is - should I be declaring any of the above information given that I have no formal diagnosis and there is no condition mentioned on my medical record? I have no obligation to continue with my group sessions but I would really like to know if attending them will cause issues for my visa.

 

If I declare the above, how does the examining physician follow up on this? Could I attach supporting documentation from my doctor onto my assessment or would they contact him directly for further information? Would I need supporting evidence from the psychotherapy group?

 

My doctor is happy to support me in stating my mood is stable. I just want to understand what is in my best interest to declare so that I’m not in any way misleading the department.

 

I would really value a response.

 

Thank you

[SOMV]

The issue with mental or physical conditions is whether these may prevent the applicant from attending a mainstream school, gaining full employment,

or living independently now or in future. And whether the condition may cost the Government too much money in the future. Or whether the condition presents any potential danger to the Australian community.

 

So if, for example, a person has been assessed as psychotic or schizophrenic, then I assume, and I hope, that the Department would want to see some specialist reports to make sure that you are not a danger to the Australian community.

 

I have had clients in the past who have been diagnosed with depression by their GPs and who are on medication for depression and this has been declared and has not prevented them from passing the medicals. From what you have written you are not on medication. So that sounds fine. But you have also said that you have been "assessed for psychotherapy". I don't think that this constitutes extensive treatment but it is unclear what you mean by this. So it is impossible to say if this should or should not be declared. And really unless a medical practitioners or expert is happy to answer this question, the decision does have to be made by you.

[Picachu]

Thank you for your response SOMV, I really appreciate your input. I can certainly elaborate further:

 

I have never been diagnosed with any psychological or psychiatric condition/disorder. However, I visited my doctor a couple of times over the course of a few months when I was going through a rough patch, reporting symptoms of low mood, stress, and difficulty sleeping. To be on the safe side, my doctor referred me for further assessment. I met with a psychologist who suggested anti-depressants may help, but both my doctor and I agreed medication was unnecessary. The psychologist then recommended I might benefit from analytic group therapy. I met with a psychotherapist to assess my suitability for the group – it was not an evaluation for a condition but an assessment on whether I share similar concerns to the other people in the group. The group is simply a safe environment in which everyone gets the chance to talk about difficult feelings. There is no set structure, you choose to join and you are completely free to choose when to stop attending.

 

My concern is whether or not I should declare these details. I have no formal diagnosis so I’m not even certain of what exactly to declare. On the other hand, I wouldn’t want to risk having my medical declined if it was deemed the information I provided is misleading. There is a question on the form that states “have you ever suffered from mental health problems?”. I asked my doctor about it and both of us concluded it’s down to individual interpretation of what classifies a mental health ‘problem’ vs a diagnosed condition/disorder.

 

I would really appreciate your expert advice here. Thanking you again

Edited August 24, 2016 by Picachu

[SOMV]

I am really sorry but I can't give you a yes or no answer, all I can say is that from what you have written it does not sound serious and I can't see that you would fail the medical for this reason. But as you have said, even your GP (a medical expert) is unable to give you an answer, so just answer the question the way you think it should be answered. If you think the answer is no then there you are. If you think it is yes then say yes and explain the circumstances in the way you have explained them above.

[Picachu]

Thanks again for your response SOMV.

 

You are right that it is not serious. I am not concerned that I would fail my medical because of the group therapy sessions I am worried that if I do not mention it, the department will somehow find out and then deem I have been dishonest. I have no understanding of the extent of their investigation regarding what is declared on the form.

 

I was thinking of bringing my printed medical record to my assessment and also attach supporting documentation from my doctor. Then, instead of declaring a non-diagnosed condition, I thought I could speak to the examining physician, show them my documentation and get their perspective on whether to declare or not.

 

Does this sound like a sensible idea? Are there any medical experts who could maybe offer an insight?

 

Thank you all for the valuable input

Edited August 24, 2016 by Picachu

[SOMV]

I think that you are worrying unnecessarily and yes, I think that that sounds like a really sensible idea.

You should explain to the doctor that you didn't think that it was within the definition of a mental health problem, but you best thought that you should double check, as you don't want to be misleading anyone. And then ask him or her if they think it is worth mentioning. If they say no, don't say anything else. If they say yes, offer the document from your GP (a very simple letter confirming that you do not have a mental condition and that you are not on any medication will be fine).