The purpose of this was to gain a greater understanding of the main mental health conditions; and the disabling impact on people's lives.
The first part was to understand the main mental health problems. Most paramedics and some other healthcare professionals will have seen these conditions at crisis point; especially on a full night moon shift. Yes, it is a real thing, it does happen and not a myth; the numbers go up! Plus I live with complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), general anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression so I can emphasise with patients/claimants living with mental health issues. There is no off button for our brain and they have a mind of their own. It covered PTSD, depression, anxiety, autism and learning difficulties.
The next element was describing the main disabling features and learning disabilities. It focused on how it impacts lives. For example, anxiety stopping people going out without support due to it causing overwhelming psychological distress; or depression, stopping people functioning eg showering, dressing, eating, etc.
The next section of the module was... offer appropriate advice to the Case Manager (CM) based on knowledge and any medical evidence. For me, I would give information on how the claimant coped with the assessment, eg anxious, needing breaks, etc. Details of their mental health condition; where they had been sectioned self harmed or attempted suicide and when. Also, I would look up the medications they were taking for that condition, to see what the maximum dosage was and work out the level (low, moderate or high) dose they were taking; if they were effective and when they last had a medication check up. As well as, what specialist mental health input, they have had and have; and how often they see them and they last aw them.
The Mental Health State Examination (MSE) was the next element; which included findings and observed behaviour; mental health in Great Britain, mental health care practitioners care programmes ((CP). The findings were based on the claimant's conditions, medications and specialist input; plus the support they had with them at the assessment. Observations are subjective and based on the assessor noting details, for example, anxious, speaking quietly, fidgeting, etc. Paramedics are quite good at noticing any abnormal behaviours. It's not scientific and depends on the assessors knowledge and background. The care programme covers the specialist input the claimant is receiving and has received.
The Mental State Examination for Personal Independent Payment involves, the the claimant's appearance, attitude and behaviour; speech; mood and affect; thoughts, perception, cognition (mental functions) judgement and insight. Mental state is the total expression of a person 's emotional responses, mood, cognitive function and personality.
The next section was Red Flags. Red Flags is a medical term and in mental health include suicidal ideas, intent or actions, violence and aggression set in the context of psychosis and specific items such as command hallucinations, delusional misidentification and grandlose delusions. All this should be documented in the claimant's report and if they are experiencing any at the time of the assessment in reporting it immediately.
The next element was dealing with the mental health conditions mainly seen at PIP assessments. These included alcohol and substance ,misuse; anxiety disorders, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), ADHD, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), bipolar affective disorder, depression,eating disorders, learning difficulties; mixed anxiety, depression disorders; personality disorders, psychotic disorders and schizophrenia. It was a brief overview of all these conditions and signs, symbols and details to observe in the assessment.
The final part was General Assessment Techniques, when dealing with claimants with mental health conditions. This covered how to keep claimant's calm and reassured; as well as how not to trigger claimants especially those with PTSD.
The next training module is Key Guidance Required for Disability Analysts - Part One; which covers the role of a Disability Assessor (Analyst).
