The effects of fear or anxiety on moving around outdoors
Someone who experiences fear or anxiety such that they cannot move around outdoors without guidance or supervision can be eligible for this rate, but only where the fear or anxiety results from their impairment and is so severe that the individual has no choice in the matter. This is most likely to occur in the mental health context.
Example: an individual is entitled to the lower rate of the mobility component because her fear and anxiety are symptoms of her impairment
Katarina is 35 and has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Katarina’s OCD means that she is hyper-aware of coming into contact with germs. This fear worsens outdoors, especially when she is in large crowds of people.
Katarina is able to move around outdoors but cannot do so without guidance and supervision from a friend or family member. This is because they are able to keep her calm when she becomes distressed. This involves helping Katarina navigate crowded places or coaxing and reassuring her if crowds are unavoidable.
The case manager determines that Katarina is entitled to the lower rate of the mobility component of Scottish Adult DLA. This is because the guidance and supervision Katarina requires is because of fear and anxiety which are symptoms of OCD.
Example: an individual is not entitled to the mobility component because they choose not to go outdoors without guidance or supervision
Natalie is 31 years old and has epilepsy. She is able to manage her condition independently.
Natalie had a seizure while outside 2 months ago and injured herself when she fell. She reports feeling nervous about going outside, and stays close to her partner when they leave their home. Natalie’s partner also keeps a closer eye on her because of her fall. However, Natalie is still able to move around outdoors without guidance or supervision, and her neurologist has tried to reassure her that there is a very low risk that she would harm herself as a result of a seizure in future.
The case manager determines that Natalie is not entitled to the lower rate of the mobility component of Scottish Adult DLA. This is because Natalie could choose to go out on her own.