Schoeman, RenataTalatala, MvuyisoGrobler, Christoffel2024-11-202024-11-202024-04-04Schoeman, R., Miric, A.L., Talatala, M. & Grobler, C. The SASOP/PsychMg guidelines for psychiatric independent medical examinations. South African Journal of Psychiatry 2024;30(0), a2187. https://DOI.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v30i0.2187.1608-9685 (print)2078-6786 (online)10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v30i0.2187http://hdl.handle.net/2263/99204DATA AVAILABILITY : The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, C.G., upon reasonable request.These guidelines, developed by the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) and the Psychiatry Management Group (PsychMg) offer a comprehensive framework for conducting psychiatric independent medical examinations (IMEs) in South Africa. They serve as a valuable resource for psychiatrists involved in evaluating disability claims, providing a standardised approach to psychiatric assessment and reporting. These guidelines address the challenges inherent in determining psychiatric impairment, including premature determinations of permanent inability to work and inconsistencies in diagnosis and prognosis. They emphasise the importance of objectivity, avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining professional ethics in the IME process. By providing a structured methodology and reporting format, these guidelines aim to facilitate informed decision-making by third parties, such as insurance companies and the courts, in assessing mental health-related disability claims.en© 2024. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.GuidelinesDisabilityIndependentPsychiatric hospitalMedicalAssessmentsSDG-03: Good health and well-beingArticle