DSA evidence

Hi guys,

I'm applying for DSA because of long-standing depression that affects my ability to study and could reasonably in my view be called disabling (it's impressive that I'm even at college and applying for DSA). I'm also suspected of having autism but waiting for my assessment). My doctor (who I basically never talk to... don't like her) knew nothing about DSA and was skeptical about whether I'd be eligible because she said depression generally isn't a disability, but she printed off my patient summary and wrote about 5 lines saying that I requested evidence to show I have depression, and that I have been referred for autism assessment, was anorexic when younger and was inpatient for that, and 'experience low mood' atm but am not currently receiving treatment.

What I'm wondering if what she wrote is sufficient or I need to go back and ask for a proper letter (which costs £15 or so)? 'Low mood' seems to be doctorspeak for depression in general so I don't see how the DSA people could complain about that, but she definitely doesn't convey that my depression is disabling. In fact in my summary it's listed under 'active minor problems' along with a suspected UTI from 2012! While anorexia is under 'active major problems' even though I'm not anorexic anymore...

Generally DSA evidence has to be specific about how your condition effects your ability to study so contact them but i think it may need to be more specific than what your doctor has written.

She doesn't mention my ability to study at all.

Then it wouldnt be detailed enough really, if you do get an autism diagnosis then that could also make you eligible for DSA so maybe wait until thursday before you send any evidence off.

I think maybe I could ask them to write me something about my ability to study even if I'm not found to be autistic? Because I at least have symptoms that interfere even if I don't qualify for a full diagnosis.

Best to ask sfe about that as i m not sure they accept evidence if you haven't recieved a diagnosis. Just see how it goes on thursday then go for there, worst case scenario you can ask to see a different GP and hopefully they can write you a better letter.

I can ask the same one, but I'll have to pay and deal with her treating me like a benefit scrounger

She doesn't mention my ability to study at all.

Hey

It doesn't sound like your letter is quite detailed enough but this website tells you what evidence you need and there is a form on there that you can download and get your doctor to fill in - if you do that then you know you have the right info on it which is super helpful! Also sounds as if your autism assessment may be useful if you recieve a diagnosis. Maybe you could get both to fill one of the forms in? That way you would have covered all bases.

Good luck
x

This form? http://www.yourdsa.com/images/Forms/dsa_mental_health_evidence_proforma.pdf

I wasn't aware of that form either.

The problem GPs have in general, is that whilst they're aware that their patient has a diagnosis of x, they're generally not aware of how it really affects them, especially when it comes to things like studying.

Wait until Thursday. Although, from my experience, not much was mentioned in regards to study. But they were aware that one problem for me was concentration. (so, for example, I can't listen in lectures and take notes effectively)

When you get assessed for disorders such as autism they ask about your background and actually state any other diagnosis's you have such as depression in this section. If it turns out you do not have autism you may still be able to ask the psychologist to write a few lines in the conclusion about how your depression could affect your studying or cause symptoms that may be mistaken for autism.
Although it is a specialist for autism, because they have a psychology background they will likely have more experience with this than your regular GP and may be happy enough to do this on your behalf.