Severe With Psychotic Features - Cross-Examining Psych Doctors, Tip #65

The modifier or specifier “Severe With Psychotic Features” may be used when diagnosing a Major Depressive Disorder if the individual presents with delusions and/or hallucinations.  Typically, the content of those delusions and/or hallucinations is mood-congruent, which means that their content is consistent with themes of depression found in the patient’s narrative.  When you have a psych report, you should look for information where the doctor reported that the individual complained of hallucinations and/or delusions.  You should also look for information in the doctor’s Mental Status Examination where they may have commented on observing hallucinations and/or delusions during their face-to-face interview with the patient.  When the doctor has failed to put that information into their report there is no data to support their use of the modifier or specifier of “Severe With Psychotic Features.”

More help for cross-examining psych doctors can be found at my website (www.drleckartwetc.com) and in my book Psychological Evaluations In Litigation: A Practical Guide for Attorneys and Insurance Adjusters

Check out my blog (http://drleckart.blogspot.com). 

DrLeckartWETC@gmail.com, (844) 444-8898