Bipolar Disorder: How to Qualify for Social Security Disability
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental condition characterized by alternating periods of elevated moods known as mania and periods of severe depression. Bipolar is further divided into bipolar I and bipolar II depending on the severity of the mood swings and presence of psychosis. People suffering from bipolar disorder may also experience episodes of auditory and visual hallucinations or delusions.
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Symptoms of bipolar are based on the manic and depressive episodes. Manic and hypomanic symptoms include feelings of invincibility, extreme happiness, unlimited energy, or irritability. People experiencing an episode of mania may not sleep for multiple days at a time. Depressive episodes usually present with crying spells, tearful effect, limited eye contact, feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, or anhedonia. Bipolar patients are also at higher risk of self-harm and suicide attempts when compared to people diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Bipolar symptoms may interfere with attention, concentration, social functioning, personal hygiene, or the ability to maintain persistence and pace in everyday activities.
Social Security has an entire subsection of their medical listings devoted to mental impairments. With proper medical evidence, anyone that meets the definition of a listing will be granted Social Security benefits. Bipolar disorder may present symptoms that allow claimants to qualify under medical listing 12.03 Schizophrenic, paranoid, and other psychotic disorders, 12.04 Affective Disorders, 12.06 Anxiety Related Disorders and 12.08 Personality Related Disorders.
Premier Disability Services, LLC has extensive experience assisting claimants who suffer from bipolar disorder obtain Social Security Disability benefits. If you suffer from bipolar disorder and you are unable to work, please contact our office for a free evaluation.