Can Mood Disorders Make You Eligible for Disability Benefits?

There is a wide range of mood disorders that can affect a person’s ability to work. If you or someone you know is unable to work because he or she is suffering from a severe mood disorder, then you may qualify for receiving Social Security disability benefits. However, the Social Security Administration outlines very specific circumstances you have to meet in order to qualify for disability benefits. If you are having trouble filing your claim or determining whether or not you qualify for disability benefits, the professionals at Disability Experts of Florida are available to help you. Feel free to call us today to discuss your case and start filing your claim for disability benefits for a mood disorder.

1st Step: You Need a Mood Disorder Diagnosis

The first step to qualifying for any disability benefits is being diagnosed. Likewise, you will need to be diagnosed with a mood disorder by a medical professional in order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. However, mood disorders are difficult to document as opposed to other disabling conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease etc. Just like any other medically disabling condition, the Social Security Administration does require you provide them with evidentiary support proving your mood disorder and its level of severity.

Common Mood Disorders and Disability Benefits

Mood disorders cover an array of diagnoses from phobias to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Because there are so many different mood disorders, it is important to obtain a specific diagnosis outlining your disabling condition. For example, some common mood disorders include the following:

• Bipolar Disorders
• Cyclothymic Disorder
• Depression
• Dysthymic Disorder
• Mood Disorder due to a General Medical Condition
• Mood Disorder Not Otherwise Specified
• Substance-Induced Mood Disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Panic Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Phobias
• Stress Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders

There are many more mood disorders, so if you are having trouble determining whether your condition qualifies you for disability benefits, then let a disability advocate help you.

How Severe is Your Mood Disorder?

In order to qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, you must not only be diagnosed with a mood disorder, but you will also need to prove the severity of your disabling condition. In order to qualify, your mood disorder must hinder your ability to carry out your daily tasks. In other words, your work, concentration, social function, and general daily tasks must be negatively impacted. The length of your symptoms is also relevant for the Social Security Administration and requires them to have been present for at least 12 months or persist for at least 12 months.

Who Should You Call?

If you would like more information about mood disorders or other disabling conditions, you can contact a professional at Disability Experts of Florida. Our compassionate advocates are ready and willing to fight for the disability benefits you need.