In many mental health cases, you will see handwritten notes from a primary care physician, a psychologist or a psychiatrist. The good news about this is that many patients with depression have a consistent history of regular visits to a mental health professional, as well as a solid professional relationship with that professional.

A common problem with mental health treatment records, however, relates to the fact that claimants often change providers because of insurance changes, financial problems or because of an apparent lack of progress.

You should be aware that depression is a fairly common mental health condition and the work activity limitations arising from depression or anxiety can range greatly. Social Security decision makers will look for some very specific things in your medical record. There are basically three ways to win a depression or anxiety case,you can meet the “listing” for depression as set forth at 12.00 (Mental Disorders – Adult) or, you can prove that your “functional capacity” for work been so diminished by your mental health condition that you would not be able to reliably perform any kind of job and lastly your mental health condition in combination with other medical problems leave you unable to reliably perform any kind of job.