To whom this may concern,

My name is Neville Bardoliwalla, I have been a Lifelong Sufferer of Unmanageable Clinical Depression (CD), Acute Anxiety Disorder and a Severe form of Treatment-Resistant Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). According to a recent psychiatric report dated 21st January 2019 which states; "In my opinion Mr Bardoliwalla's Psychiatric condition is Severe to the point that he finds it extremely difficult to cope with everyday life hence the frequency of his Suicidal thoughts which is categorically high-risk".

Overall my condition is considered Severe, Lifelong and Life-limiting, and I have been placed in the 'Support Group' receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) from The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). According to my GP and the recent psychiatric report referred to, I am not fit for work, more specifically I am considered as having very limited capacity for work related activity. Owing to the nature and severity of my depression, it is likely to deteriorate gradually as I get older. Having exceeded my 57th birthday, in retrospect my mental health has over time become progressively worse. My sister who is 53 years old also suffers profoundly from CD which has affected her for most of her adult life. My Mother has also been a lifelong sufferer of OCD, Acute Anxiety Disorder and Severe Depression. My father who died suddenly in 1978 aged 44 years from a heart attack was a negative thinker / profound depressive during and prior to his death. Having been assessed extensively by different psychiatrist over a long period, it is considered that my type of depression i.e. CD is most likely to be hereditary in nature i.e. genetically transmitted, and is therefore a lifelong and life-limiting illness. Having researched the likely causes and prognosis of CD to further my own understanding, most of the available evidence suggests an interplay between genetic factors and environmental factors for determining ones degree of morbidity and predisposition for developing the disease.

In summary I suffer co-morbid acute anxiety disorder and treatment-resistant OCD which simultaneously coexists alongside my Clinical Depression. Comorbidity is the simultaneous coexistence of multiple disorders alongside a Primary disorder which in my case is Clinical Depression. Conditions considered comorbidities are often long-term or chronic conditions which are both difficult to manage and treat. 

I would like to see the law changed so that patients like me who suffer unmanageable CD are awarded ESA for life.                            

Given the distinct nature of Clinical Depression I suffer alongside existing comorbidities highlighted, I am further requesting that all such patients who suffer like me be made exempt from attending a periodic Work Capability Assessment (WCA). The whole WCA process from completing an exhaustive capability for work questionnaire (ESA 50 form), to attending a gruelling medical assessment causes sufferers like me a great deal of trepidation and psychological distress. Such change would be most welcomed, and it would also help reduce unnecessary bureaucracy which cost tax payers dearly!

Your support in this matter is gratefully appreciated.

Yours Sincerely,

Neville Cawas Cyrus Bardoliwalla OBE, CBE

Mob: 07825 443807

Email: nevillebardoliwalla@hotmail.com