Bipolar Disorder and Social Security Disability Benefits, by Andrew N. Egan

Bipolar Disorder and Social Security Disability Benefits

If you need assistance with a Social Security Disability case or would like to learn more about your options for getting Social Security disability benefits, please call us at 615-712-9484. We are Social Security Disability attorneys in Nashville, Tennessee.

Biploar Disorder is a widely underdiagnosed affective-disorder with the symptoms ranging from rather mild to devastating. See: (http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/news/20070507/bipolar-disorder-widely-underdiagnosed) The National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES describes bipolar disorder as follows:

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are severe. They are different from the normal ups and downs that everyone goes through from time to time. Bipolar disorder symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor job or school performance, and even suicide. But bipolar disorder can be treated, and people with this illness can lead full and productive lives. Bipolar disorder often develops in a person’s late teens or early adult years. At least half of all cases start before age 25.1 Some people have their first symptoms during childhood, while others may develop symptoms late in life. Bipolar disorder is not easy to spot when it starts. The symptoms may seem like separate problems, not recognized as parts of a larger problem. Some people suf­fer for years before they are properly diagnosed and treated. Like diabetes or heart disease, bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that must be carefully managed throughout a person’s life …

People with bipolar disorder experience unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods called “mood episodes.” An overly joyful or overexcited state is called a manic episode, and an extremely sad or hopeless state is called a depressive episode. Sometimes, a mood episode includes symptoms of both mania and depression. This is called a mixed state. People with bipolar disorder also may be explosive and irritable during a mood episode. Extreme changes in energy, activity, sleep, and behavior go along with these changes in mood. It is possible for someone with bipolar disorder to experience a long-lasting period of unstable moods rather than discrete episodes of depression or mania. A person may be having an episode of bipolar disorder if he or she has a number of manic or depressive symptoms for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least one or two weeks. Sometimes symptoms are so severe that the person cannot function normally at work, school, or home.

(http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/nimh-bipolar-adults.pdf)

So how does the Social Security Administration evaluate applicants diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar Disorder is an affective disorder characterized by a disturbance of mood, accompanied by a full or partial manic or depressive syndrome. Mood refers to a prolonged emotion that colors the whole psychic life; it generally involves either depression or elation.

Although each of our client’s medical evidence will be unique, the required level of severity for affective disorders (example: Biplolar disorder) to receive Social Security Disability is met when the client is diagnosed with Bipolar syndrome with a history of episodic periods manifested by the full symptomatic picture of both manic and depressive syndromes (and currently characterized by either or both syndromes);

AND

B. Resulting in at least two of the following:

1. Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or

2. Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or

3. Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace; or

4. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration;

OR

Medically documented history of bipolar disorder of at least 2 years’ duration that has caused more than a minimal limitation of ability to do basic work activities, with symptoms or signs currently attenuated by medication or psychosocial support, and one of the following:

1. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration; or

2. A residual disease process that has resulted in such marginal adjustment that even a minimal increase in mental demands or change in the environment would be predicted to cause the individual to decompensate; or

3. Current history of 1 or more years’ inability to function outside a highly supportive living arrangement, with an indication of continued need for such an arrangement.

If you need assistance with a Social Security Disability case or would like to learn more about your options for getting Social Security disability benefits, please call us at 615-712-9484. We are Social Security Disability attorneys in Nashville, Tennessee.