Bipolar disorder is a mental disorder characterized by ups and downs; someone who has this condition can experience depression that is low to the peak of mania. Such mood swings may only occur a few times a year, but in some cases, they can occur as often as several times per day. In some cases, bipolar disorder even causes symptoms of depression and mania together. Because of the symptoms experienced by people with bipolar disorder, people with the condition are often unable to work/maintain a job. Because of this, they may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits under Bipolar Disorder. Here, bipolar disability will be discussed in more detail in its etiology as well as in relation to applying and qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits.
About Bipolar Disorder
Several factors appear to be involved in causing and triggering bipolar episodes. Some of these factors include the following:
- Biological differences. Physical changes in the brain;
- Neurotransmitters. A naturally occurring imbalance of brain chemicals;
- Hormone. Hormonal imbalances may be involved in causing or triggering bipolar disorder.
- Inherited traits. Bipolar disorder is more common in people who have blood relatives with the condition.
- Environment. Stress, abuse, significant loss or other traumatic experience.
The exact symptoms of bipolar disorder vary from person to person. For some people, depression causes the most problems; for others manic symptoms are a major concern. Symptoms of depression and symptoms of mania or hypomania can also occur together, which is known as a mixed episode. Signs and symptoms of the manic or hypomanic phase of bipolar disorder can include the following:
- Euphoria
- Extreme optimism
- Soaring self-esteem
- Bad rating
- Quick speech; racing mind
- Aggressive and/or risky behavior
- Agitation or irritation
- Increased physical activity
- Increased drive to do or achieve goals
- Increase sex drive
- Decreased need for sleep
- Inability to concentrate
- Often does not come to work or school
- Delusions or a break from reality (psychosis)
- Poor performance at work or school
Signs and symptoms of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder can include:
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Worry
- Error
- Sleep problems
- Low or increased appetite
- Fatigue
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Concentration problems
- Irritability
- Chronic pain with no known cause
- Often does not come to work or school
- Poor performance at work or school
Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment, even during periods when you are feeling better. The main treatments for bipolar disorder include medication; individual, group or family psychological counseling (psychotherapy); or education and support groups. A variety of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder, including Lithium, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, Symbyax, and Benzodiazepines.
Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits Based on Bipolar Disorder
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program designed to pay monetary benefits to qualified applicants who have worked long periods of time and paid their social security taxes. Based on medical evidence, employment history, and educational history, the Social Security Administration determines whether or not applicants qualify for benefits and how much each applicant can receive. The Social Security Administration (SSA) establishes specific criteria when it qualifies applicants for benefits. Specifically for bipolar disorder, medical evidence must be consistent with the SSA classification in the following criteria:
12.04 affective disorder: Characterized by mood disturbance, accompanied by full or partial manic or depressive syndrome. Mood refers to the lingering emotions that color the entire psychic life; it generally involves either depression or excitement.
The severity required for this disorder is met when the requirements in A and B are met, or when the requirements in C are met.
A. Medically documented persistence, either continuous or intermittent, of any of the following:
1. A depressive syndrome characterized by at least four of the following:
a. Anhedonia or widespread loss of interest in almost all activities; or
b. Impaired appetite with weight changes; or
c. Sleep disturbances; or
d. Psychomotor agitation or retardation; or
e. Energy is reduced; or
f. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness; or
g. Difficulty concentrating or thinking; or
h. Thoughts of suicide; or
I. Hallucinations, delusions, or paranoid thoughts; or
2. Manic syndrome characterized by at least three of the following:
a. Hyperactive; or
b. Speech pressure; or
c. The flight of ideas; or
d. Inflated self-esteem; or
e. Decreased need for sleep; or
f. Easy distraction; or
g. Involvement in activities that have a high probability of unrecognized painful consequences; or
h. Hallucinations, delusions or paranoid thoughts; or
3. Bipolar syndrome with a history of episodic periods manifested by a fully symptomatic picture of manic and depressive syndromes (and currently characterized by one or both syndromes);
AND
B. Produce at least two of the following:
1. Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or
2. Significant difficulty in maintaining social functioning; or
3. Significant difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or speed; or
4. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of an extended duration;
OR
C. A medically documented history of chronic affective disorder with a duration of at least 2 years causing more than minimal limitation of ability to perform basic work activities, with symptoms or signs currently attenuated by medication or psychosocial support, and any of the following:
1. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of an extended duration; or
2. Residual disease processes resulting in marginal adjustment such that even minimal increases in mental demands or environmental changes would be predicted to cause the individual to decompensate; or
3. A history of 1 year or more of inability to function outside a very supportive living setting, with an indication of continued need for that setting.
Keep in mind that depressive symptoms that meet the criteria for acceptance of benefits may develop as a result of the disease process and/or medications prescribed and used, or as a residual effect of the procedures used to treat the disease.
Medical evidence supporting a person’s argument that he or she may meet these criteria, and therefore qualify for disability benefits, is critical to obtaining a favorable finding. Doctors are considered experts in their field of practice, and their diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of a person’s condition are key to determining whether someone with bipolar disorder is eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.