While most people think of disabilities in terms of physical injuries or illnesses, psychological problems may also be considered disabilities when it comes to the law. This is important, as it means people with certain psychological issues may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Here are seven psychological issues that may qualify you for SSDI or SSI:
- Major depressive disorder
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- One of the most common psychological issues that people deal with is depression, which refers to people who suffer from a persistent low mood that affects their ability to operate in daily life. People who suffer from this disorder may need SSDI or SSI benefits if their condition is severe enough to prevent them from maintaining employment or taking care of themselves.
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- Bipolar disorder
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- Bipolar disorder refers to a condition that causes people to swing between a depressive state, where they have a low mood and low energy, and what is known as a manic state, which comes with feelings of excitement and intense energy. These states can last for weeks at a time, making it difficult for some to handle daily tasks as they struggle to manage their intense emotions.
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- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
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- Another psychological issue sometimes seen among SSDI or SSI applicants is OCD, which comes with uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts, as well as a strong desire to carry out certain behaviors. Sometimes, people with OCD spend so much time and effort carrying out their compulsions that they struggle to handle ordinary work or chores.
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- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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- PTSD is a psychological condition that results from exposure to life-threatening situations, such as physical violence, front line combat, sexual assault, natural disasters, or major accidents (such as car accidents). People who suffer from PTSD often experience nightmares and flashbacks, feelings of detachment or guilt, and hypersensitivity to bright lights or loud noises.
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- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
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- Generalized anxiety is a surprisingly common, yet poorly understood, psychological issue, which is often seen among SSDI and SSI applicants. As the name suggests, people with GAD often experience heightened levels of anxiety, even in situations where there is no specific source or cause for their stress.
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- Panic disorder
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- Panic disorder is a type of psychological disorder that is related to GAD, which results in people having regular, but often unpredictable, panic attacks. These attacks are intense feelings of heightened anxiety that are often mistaken for heart attacks, and can be severely disabling to people who experience them.
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- Schizophrenia
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- Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder which causes people to experience delusions and hallucinations, among other issues. They also often suffer from “disorganized” speech or behavior, causing them to act out in seemingly unexplainable ways, or speak in a manner that is incomprehensible to others.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
