Examining the Corners of Your Mind: 4 Types of Mental Health Disorders That Count Toward Long Term Disability
Serious mental health disorders can be just as devastating as purely physical disabilities. This just helps to explain why those who are struggling with them must sometimes apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Just like physical limitations, though, mental disorders must meet certain criteria in order to be considered a long-term disability. The disorder must be expected to last at least a year and must be rendering the person suffering it unable to work or be trained for available work.
If you’re struggling with your mental health and need some help, you’re not alone. You can find more information about four of the most common qualifying mental health disorders below. Keep in mind that this list isn’t comprehensive, though, and don’t assume that if your disorder isn’t on the list, it won’t be covered.
Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders include chronic mental illnesses like paranoia and schizophrenia. Because these disorders tend to be severe and often quite debilitating, those diagnosed with them may be able to get a Compassionate Allowance that will allow them to start collecting SSDI sooner. Readers who have been diagnosed with psychotic disorders should always at least try to file individual disability insurance claims.
Affective Disorders
If you have an affective disorder like depression or bipolar disorder, you may still qualify for SSDI despite the fact that these issues are not a direct result of brain abnormalities. Chronic and acute anxiety are sometimes considered affective disorders, as well, and may also qualify you for SSDI if your symptoms meet the SSA’s criteria.
Personality Disorders
There are many mental illnesses that fall under the general category of personality disorders. Generally speaking, if you exhibit behaviour or experience inner beliefs or feelings that deviate substantially from those of your culture and they cause you distress, you may have a personality disorder. In order to be eligible for SSDI, though, your personality disorder must hinder you from being able to work. You also must successfully complete training in addition to causing problems with other areas of your life.
Organic Disorders
Organic brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are neurodegenerative. This means that if the patient has been diagnosed correctly, his or her disability will be permanent. There are, however, also some temporary forms of organic brain disorders. If you have recently been diagnosed with a chronic organic disorder you will almost certainly qualify for SSDI. As such, you can facilitate ongoing independence.
Other Qualifying Disorders
Other qualifying disorders include learning disorders, somatoform disorders, panic disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, and, in certain circumstances, substance addiction disorders. The primary thing to keep in mind is that in order to qualify for SSDI, you will have to be able to prove that your disorder is expected to last for at least one full year. This will prevent you from being able to work.
The Bottom Line
Mental illnesses and brain disorders can be just as serious and just as debilitating as physical illnesses. If you’re struggling with one of the disorders listed above, you deserve the help you need to maintain a fulfilling, independent lifestyle. Keep in mind that a large number of SSDI claims get denied the first time they are submitted. However, don’t lost hope. You deserve to get the help you need and you can always file an appeal.
otic disorders should always at least try to file individual disability insurance claims.
Affective Disorders
If you have an affective disorder like depression or bipolar disorder, you may still qualify for SSDI despite the fact that these issues are not a direct result of brain abnormalities. Chronic and acute anxiety are sometimes considered affective disorders, as well. They also qualify you for SSDI if your symptoms meet the SSA’s criteria.
