Disability Benefits for Mental Illnesses
Commonly, social security disability benefits are associated to those suffering from a debilitating injury. But did you know that if you suffer from a mental illness, you might be eligible for disability benefits as well? The Social Security Administration evaluates mental disorders according to several predetermined categories. If you exhibit symptoms of one of the following conditions and have been unable to work for at least one year, you may be entitled to Social Security Disability Benefits.
Neurocognitive Disorders
Examples of disorders evaluated in this category include but are not limited to dementia of the Alzheimer type, vascular dementia, and Parkinsonian syndrome
Schizophrenic, paranoid, and other psychotic disorders
Examples of disorders in this category include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, delusional disorder, and psychotic disorder due to another medical condition.
Depressive, Bipolar Disorders
Some examples are evaluated are bipolar disorders (I or II), cyclothymic disorder, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia), and bipolar or depressive disorder due to another medical condition.
Intellectual Disorders
Commonly evaluated conditions are intellectual disability, intellectual developmental disorder, or historically used terms such as “mental retardation.”
Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Examples include social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
These include Somatic symptom disorder, illness anxiety disorder, and conversion disorder
Personality and Impulse-Control Disorders
A few of these conditions are paranoid, schizoid, schizotypal, borderline, avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive personality disorders, and intermittent explosive disorder.
Autistic and Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Examples of disorders are autism spectrum disorder with or without accompanying intellectual impairment, and autism spectrum disorder with or without accompanying language impairment.
Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Disorder instances include specific learning disorder, borderline intellectual functioning, and tic disorders (such as Tourette syndrome).
Eating Disorders
Examples are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, and avoidant/restrictive food disorder.
Trauma, Stressor Related Disorders
A few examples include post-traumatic stress disorder and other specified trauma- and stressor-related disorders
Related: PTSD – You Might Be Surprised & It’s Ok
If you or someone you know suffers from a mental illness or other mental condition, you know the sometimes-monumental effort required to function normally. If your condition has caused you to miss more than one year of work, you may be eligible for social security disability benefits. Contact the Kenneth G. Marks Law Firm for a no-hassle consultation and get the professional representation you deserve. Call us at (949) 288-4653 today!
Kenneth G. Marks Law Firm
24422 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite 310
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
Phone: 949.288.4653, Fax: 949.748.6474 Email: ken@kmarkslaw.com