Question:
What is the real purpose of the psych. evaluation?

What are some of the questions asked, and how long does the interview take? Has anyone ever failed?    — Miss G. (posted on June 10, 2001)

June 10, 2001
The isurance companies require it because they want to know that the person is of a stable enough mind to follow the required diets etc. If you have a compulsive obsessive disorder towards food, for example, they would probably not approve you as you would more than likely not be able to control yourself. They would require you to get that under control first. In the place i went to the questions were all on computer and asked everything from are you happy to do you here voices. After it is printed out the psychologist goes through it and gives you the diagnosises that the questions point to. The guy i went to went over the questions he wanted to elaborate on.
   — paula B.

June 10, 2001
According to North American Association for the Study of Obesity : "Bariatric surgery should not be attempted in patients who have a history of noncompliance or have psychotic illnesses, including schizophrenia and personality disorders, suicidal behavior, substance abuse, and uncontrolled depression. Psychological Evaluation To properly assess the patient's psychological well-being, a preoperative psychological evaluation ought to beneficially include, as deemed appropriate, screening for depression, suicide, eating disorders, and psychosis. In addition, history should include any possible psychological trauma, such as sexual abuse, marital dysfunction, or posttraumatic stress disorders, plus other life stressors, such as a history of substance abuse, the patient's level of self-esteem, and quality-of-life measures. Preoperative Patient Education As an adjunct to the evaluations detailed above, it is important for the patient to know the nature of the proposed surgical procedure, its risks, the expected weight loss over time, as well as the required postoperative dietary intake, and level of physical activity. In addition, the anticipated lifestyle changes, the need for compliance and follow-up visits, and the anticipated health benefits of the surgery should all be communicated to the patient in the preoperative period."
   — X X.

June 11, 2001
It's not only the insurance companies which require the psych evaluation, but generally the surgeon and the hospital where the procedure is taking place. <Br> <Br> The reason for it is to determine the patient is of sound mind before enduring this life altering surgery. If you have a history of depression before you will most likely have it afterwards, maybe even more so. The evaluation explores the patient's reasons for undergoing this procedure and to ensure they know exactly what they're getting themselves into.
   — [Anonymous]