Mobility component activity 1 descriptor B (4 points)
Needs the prompting of another person to be able to undertake any journey to avoid overwhelming psychological distress (OPD) to the individual.
Who it’s most likely to apply to
This descriptor is most likely to apply to individuals where:
- undertaking any journey causes overwhelming psychological distress (OPD) and
- they need prompting to be able to undertake the journey
Who it’s likely to apply to
This descriptor is likely to apply where an individual needs prompting to set off on a journey.
It could also apply if the individual needs prompting while on a journey.
Meaning of overwhelming psychological distress (OPD)
‘Overwhelming psychological distress’ (OPD) means distress related to a mental health condition or intellectual or cognitive condition resulting in a state in which the symptoms are so severe that the individual cannot undertake any journey without being overwhelmed.
The threshold is a very high one – an individual who, without prompting, would be left feeling anxious, worried or emotional does not meet it.
Overwhelming psychological distress (OPD) may occur in conditions such as:
- generalised anxiety disorder,
- panic disorder,
- dementia or
- agoraphobia
Meaning of ‘any journey’
‘Any journey’ means that the individual requires prompting when undertaking every single journey on that day to avoid overwhelming psychological distress (OPD).
Who it’s unlikely to apply to
If the individual’s able to leave the home to make a journey once without prompting, then on that day the descriptor is not likely to be satisfied.
An individual who’s only able to start a journey at night-time is not considered able to undertake a journey to an acceptable standard.
In this instance, mobility component activity 1 descriptor E may be more appropriate (link to descriptor E).
Example: an individual with anxiety who satisfies mobility component activity 1 descriptor B
Veronica submits an application for ADP.
Application form
In the form she describes that she:
- experiences symptoms of panic before any journey and
- is only able to leave her home if someone provides encouragement and reassurance that there are no dangers or threats as a result of going outside
Once Veronica is outside, she’s able to follow a route independently without help.
Case manager’s decision
The case manager determines that Veronica satisfies mobility component activity 1 descriptor B.