When people discuss disability benefits for work, the discussions tend to lean toward physical disabilities, especially those brought on by work-related accidents.
However, it is possible to gain disability benefits for mental health issues as well. But does this include anxiety?
Characteristics of anxiety
Disability Benefits Help discusses the benefits that may be available for anxiety. According to them, Social Security counts many different types of anxiety disorders as viable for benefits. This includes panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, certain phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder.
In order to obtain these benefits, someone who qualifies for disability benefits must show proof that their disorder significantly impacts their life to the point that it makes working impossible. It is also important to submit evidence that shows the disorder in question matches the SSA’s Blue Book requirements.
In accordance with these requirements, anxiety disorders share characteristics of persistent feelings of tension, apprehension, uneasiness and terror. These disorders do not involve simple feelings of nervousness, but rather feelings of overwhelming terror or alarm. Often, these feelings end up triggered by normal, everyday activities or events.
The success of treatment
Anxiety disorders can often get treatment. However, the success of treatment depends on several factors like the type of disorder, its severity, and if the individual involved holds any form of control over the causes of their anxiety.
In order to receive benefits, not only does a person need well-documented evidence, but they also need to meet the medical outlines required by the SSA. On top of that, they must have earned enough work credits. The SSA can then deem a person disabled and grant benefits.