Opinion ID: 2978289
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Mental

Text: On January 30, 2004, Simpson saw Dr. Jones for a physical examination. During her exam, Dr. Jones noted that Simpson had a “flat affect” and seemed to be suffering from depression and/or insomnia for which Dr. Jones prescribed medication. On March 19, 2004, Simpson reported to Dr. Jones that she did not feel her prescribed antidepressant was working, and that she felt “more No. 08-3651 Simpson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Page 8 anxious.” Dr. Jones again noted that Simpson had a flat affect. Dr. Jones increased the dosage of Simpson’s medication. On March 31, 2004, Simpson underwent an examination conducted by Dr. Frederick G. Leidal, a psychologist, “to determine the extent and degree of psychiatric disability as it pertains to social security disability.” Dr. Leidal concluded that Simpson has moderate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and a personality disorder with dependent and histrionic features, assigning her a Global Assessment Functioning (“GAF”) score of 58. Additionally, Simpson was found to have elevated validity scales and basic clinical scales above 70, based on an assessment completed using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2, where a score of 70 or above “represents possible emotional, psychological or behavioral concerns that may be impairing to daily functions.” Dr. Leidal opined that Simpson’s psychological factors likely affect her physical condition, and that “on direct investigation psychological problems may be denied or minimized as the patient wants to be seen as normal due to a high need for social approval.” On April 27, 2004, Dr. Carl Tishler, a psychologist for the state agency, completed a “Medical Residual Functional Capacity Assessment” and “Psychiatric Review Technique” of Simpson that was reviewed and affirmed by Dr. Caroline Lewin, another state agency psychologist, on August 18, 2004. It was noted that Simpson suffers from dysthymia and a personality disorder with dependent and histrionic features, which result in moderate functional limitations. On May 12, 2004, state agency psychologist, Dr. Larry Kravitz, reviewed Dr. Tishler’s findings and agreed with them, noting that limiting Simpson to simple, routine work tasks was reasonable. No. 08-3651 Simpson v. Comm’r of Soc. Sec. Page 9 On June 2, 2004, Simpson was seen by Dr. Connie McReynolds of Northeast Ohio Behavioral Health, Ltd. for individual psychotherapeutic treatment. Dr. McReynolds diagnosed Simpson with an adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood. Simpson returned for two additional sessions on June 9 and June 30 before discontinuing treatment. Dr. McReynolds noted that Simpson did not make any progress due to her failure to return. As noted above, Simpson saw Dr. Bonyo from June 2004 through October 2005 for a series of issues, including depression and anxiety. During an appointment in October 2005, Simpson reported that her anxiety level and depression had become more severe in the past week, and that she had experienced two anxiety attacks that week. Dr. Bonyo treated Simpson’s complaints by increasing the dosage of her medication.