Three Types Of Disorders That Could Qualify Someone For Disability
Posted on: 9 September 2016
Not everyone who qualifies for disability assistance has a visible medical condition. There are certain conditions other than physical impairments that can qualify someone to receive social security disability benefits. Here are three such categories.
Disability for Anxiety Disorders
Those who have an anxiety disorder so severe that it interferes with their daily activities may qualify for disability. Another factor in order to qualify, is that the person who has the anxiety-related condition needs to be diagnosed with at least one of the following:
- Generalized anxiety
- Panic episodes
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Phobias
The anxiety must also be so severe that it prevents the person from functioning in a social setting, they have trouble concentrating when trying to complete tasks, and they are no longer able to maintain their anxiety and it is causing further deterioration of their mental health.
Disability for Persistent Depressive Disorder
Also known as dysthymia, this type of mood disorder is characterized by depression and the inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia). Symptoms of persistent depressive disorder include:
- Frequent feelings of hopelessness
- Low self-esteem
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Inability to concentrate
For some people with dysthymia, these symptoms get worse over time. In order to qualify for disability, one must meet the same criteria as someone who has been diagnosed with depression. Some of these qualifications include: their disorder causes interference with daily activities and social settings, and the person exhibits an inability to focus.
Disability for Borderline Personality Disorders
For people who experience emotional instability and are uncertain about their identity, they may have borderline personality disorder (BPD). Some other common symptoms for BPD include:
- Frequent mood swings
- Fear of abandonment
- Pattern of unstable relationships
- Impulsiveness
- Self-injury
When left untreated, BPD can lead to drug abuse, suicide attempts, and problems at work and in relationships. People with this type of personality disorder may also suffer from depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. In order to qualify for benefits, the person who has been diagnosed with BPD must prove their disorder is preventing them from being able to work.
Any type of disorder will require medical evidence in order to get disability benefits. Disability attorneys like Horn & Kelley, PC Attorneys at Law can help people gather all of the necessary evidence to help prove their case. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, persistent depressive disorder, or BPD, disability attorneys can help them with the process of qualifying for assistance.
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