Mental Disabilities-What Social Security Looks For, Part Two

In my article, "Mental Disabilities-What Social Security Looks For, Part One," we discussed Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder. In this article we will look into four other oft-approved conditions, which are: Schizophrenia, PTSD, personality disorders, and mental retardation.

Schizophrenia is like many other mental disorders, about which there are two questions. First, can you do your job? If not, can you do any other job? If you honestly feel that the answer is no to both questions, you may have a good claim. The only way to prove it, however, is to see a psychiatrist or psychologist regularly and ask to be evaluated in the following conditions: delusions or hallucinations, disorganized behavior, incoherence, illogical thinking, loss of clarity in speech, emotional withdrawal, restriction of activities of daily living, difficulties socializing, loss of concentration, etc. You will need to show a history of at least 12 months, or at least show that your condition is likely to continue for 12 months.

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, can occur in many age ranges. It is related to anxiety and may cause some of the same symptoms, including motor tension, autonomic hyperactivity, apprehensive expectation, vigilance and scanning, persistent irrational fear of something, recurrent and severe panic attacks, recurrent obsessions or compulsions, recurrent and intrusive recollections of a traumatic experience, restrictions of daily living activities, loss of social functioning, loss of concentration, or complete inability to function independently outside of one's home. Your psychiatrist or psychologist should be able to comment on your ability to work regarding these symptoms, and should do so in writing for Social Security's use. Do not be surprised if your doctor doesn't allow you to have copies of his or her notes--this is common in regards to mental disorders. They should still be able to fax or send your records to Social Security via mail if this is the case.

Personality disorders can be broad in nature and often include some of the following: seclusiveness or autistic thinking, pathologically inappropriate suspiciousness or hostility, oddities of thought, speech and behavior, persistent disturbances of mood, pathological dependence, passivity, agressivity, intense and unstable interpersonal relationships and impulsive and damaging behavior, severe restrictions of activities of daily living, difficulties maintaining social functioning, and loss of concentration. Once again, your claim depends greatly on your psychiatrist or psychologist. If you have not seen one in awhile, choose an experienced and respected doctor who can give an opinion on your disabled status. If you cannot afford one, Social Security will send you to one of theirs. However, he or she will likely be more focused on determining whether you are truly disabled than on helping you in the future.

Mental retardation isn't necessarily an automatic disability. It must affect the applicant to the extent that he or she cannot do any sort of job that doesn't require extra help or special treatment by the employer. IQ tests are often a main factor. The chances of being approved are good if the applicant is unable to care for their own personal needs, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and going to the restroom, has an inability to follow directions, has difficulty with social functioning, has difficulties maintaining concentration, or has an IQ below 70.

If you have any doubts about whether you or a loved one qualifies, it is worth it to apply. Or, if you want to find out if you qualify first, you can always ask a disability law center, who will tell you for free. Whatever you choose, best of luck.

Becca has been involved with the Social Security world since 1995 and enjoys watching the program change lives for the better.