Is Anxiety Considered a Disability?
Anxiety is a mental health disorder that is characterized by feelings of worry, tension, and fear. These symptoms can interfere with a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their life. These feelings are persistent and can be overwhelming for those with a disorder.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders which we detail below. Symptoms of anxiety can vary from mild to severe and can include the following:
- Feeling restless or on edge
- Sweating, heart palpitations
- Feeling like you are going to faint
- Shortness of breath
- Dry mouth
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
If you suffer from anxiety, give us a call. We will help you determine if you qualify for disability and receive benefits.
How To Get Diagnosed With Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are generally diagnosed by a mental health professional—the professional assists in determining what mental illnesses qualify for disability.
They will conduct a clinical interview and may also administer psychological testing. The professional will ask questions about your symptoms and how they affect your life. They will also want to know if you have any medical conditions causing your symptoms.
Diagnosis of an anxiety disorder is based on the severity and frequency of your symptoms.
Common Types of Anxiety Disorders
Below are a few common anxiety disorders:
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
This type of disorder is characterized by persistent and excessive worry about everyday things. People with a generalized anxiety disorder may worry about their health, work, or finances.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a disorder that is characterized by unexpected and recurring episodes of intense fear. These panic attacks can include physical symptoms such as a racing heart and chest pain.
Agoraphobia
A disorder characterized by a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or embarrassing, or help might not be available in the event of a panic attack.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD is a type of disorder someone has with roots in a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks and avoidance of situations that remind the person of the event.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
This type of disorder is distinguished by intruding and undesired, compulsive thoughts and repetitive, uncontrollable behaviors.
Social Anxiety
This type of disorder is characterized by extreme self-consciousness and fear of social situations.
Is Anxiety Considered a Disability?
Anxiety disorders can be considered an anxiety disability if they significantly interfere with your ability to function in your daily life. To qualify for disability benefits, you must show that your anxiety disorder is severe enough to prevent you from working or participating in other activities. For example, if you have panic attacks that prevent you from leaving your home, that can be considered a disability.
Applying for Disability and Social Security Benefits
If you have a disorder that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. To qualify for getting disability for anxiety, you must show that your anxiety disorder is severe and that it has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months (or otherwise noted by a qualified health professional).
You must submit medical evidence of your condition, such as a diagnosis, from a mental health professional to the Social Security Administration. If you are approved for benefits, you will receive monthly payments that can help you.
If you are interested in applying for Social Security disability benefits, an attorney can help. You can get help from disability lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland.
SSDI Maryland disability lawyers can assist you with the application process and help you gather the necessary medical evidence. A social security disability lawyer in Baltimore can also help you appeal the decision if your application is denied.
The Law Offices of Terri D. Mason can help you or your loved one apply for Social Security disability benefits if you or they have a disorder. We can assist you with the application process and help you gather the necessary medical evidence. We can also help you appeal the decision if the application is denied. Contact us today at 443-948-7772 for a consultation.