woo... dont get me started on ESA and the stupid failings of the system!
Ok gonna try and say something helpful and not just rant...
Right first I'd suggest googling 'ESA descriptors mental health' and you will find a wealth of information relating to claiming ESA and passing the medical from people who have done it and people who work in mental health.
Basically you get certain points for fitting certain descriptors in the 'limited capability for work' questionnaire. The medicals are carried out by 'medical professionals' who often don't have a clue about mental health, in a sort of tick-the-box-on-the-computer way. You have to fit the descriptors. Offering additional info at the medical is still a good idea though, as there is an 'exceptional circumstances' descriptor (which is really a get-out clause for them for fear of getting sued/terrible publicity) which means if you don't fit the other descriptors but it would be very dangerous/detrimental to you health to be declared fit for work, they will pass you anyway.
The company that do the medicals (on behalf of the DWP) are called ATOS, and in my opinion (and many others) are an unethical company who have already been investigated for their appalling treatment of vulnerable people. If your doctor/CPN/psych don't think your fit to work, remember they are the ones who know you best.
Don't even think about going on your own, and if you could get a CPN or other health professional/someone from a mental health charity to go with you that would be best.
I would like to say that I am not trying to get you to unfairly pass the medical but people who are seriously ill are being refused benefit so all the information you can get is helpful! Unfortunately the process of proving that you are unfit to work atm makes you feel like you are somehow lying (I'm appealing at the moment.)
I scored zero in my medical despite the fact that I was stopped from committing suicide 3 days before by a friend (this is recorded in the medical, followed a few lines down by 'no thoughts of harming herself' - they really are idiots). Sorry not trying to rant too much, just showing how absurd the whole thing is and how you REALLY have to prove it to them.
Good luck... x
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