Whilst there is little doubt that manic depression is a severely debilitating condition, is manic depression a disability and if you have been diagnosed with the disorder, can you claim for Supplementary Security Income or Disability Insurance?
Manic depression is a severe mental health disorder. Classed as a mood disorder, manic depression is more correctly referred to as bipolar disorder, but although the name has changed, the symptoms have not. Bipolar is a depressive illness, but unlike regular depression, those suffering from bipolar are subject to severe and highly unpredictable mood swings, ranging from manic highs to crushing depressions.
In between the bipolar episodes, the patient will probably be fine and able to carry on with life as usual, but when a bipolar phase is in full swing, life as we know it becomes an impossible task and unless the patient is undergoing treatment, they are unlikely to be able to work.
Not everyone suffering from manic depression will be affected to the same degree. Some patients are perfectly well for the majority of the time and only begin to show symptoms of the illness when subjected to severe emotional or physical stress. However, others will suffer from the effects of bipolar disorder four or more times per year and will spend much of their existence cycling between manic and depressive phases of the illness, which will inevitably affect their life in a big way.
Is manic depression a disability?
In order to quality for disability allowance in the US, a patient must be able to demonstrate that their condition is severe enough. Their symptoms must be medically documented, fall into both the manic and depressive phases of the illness, and cause the patient sufficient problems that their everyday life is greatly affected.
Unfortunately, such restrictive conditions are only the tip of the iceberg and in reality, any bipolar patient hoping to claim disability benefit from the US Social Security system will have to fulfill a number of strict criteria. In most cases, due to the complexities of the Social Security claims system, anyone suffering with a mental health disorder (including manic depression) is advised to have an advocate assist them with preparation of claims documents. Advocates can include your psychiatrist, mental health therapist, and attorney.
Is manic depression a disability and how is the claim assessed?
In the first instance, the claimant will be assessed to see whether they are currently working, and if they are and are earning more than a certain amount, their claim may be disqualified immediately.
Secondly, their bipolar symptoms must be considered severe enough to significantly impair the individual from being able to work in any type of job, including menial employment.
Thirdly, the claimant must be medically documented as suffering from at least some of the recognized symptoms relating to bipolar disorder, including feelings of worthlessness or guilt, delusions, sleep problems and difficulties concentrating.
Finally, the claimant’s past work history will be examined and if he has managed to find gainful employment previously, the claim will probably be denied.
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