In the past, mental health did not have as much consideration as it does in society today. While many people struggled to receive benefits for their very real and very debilitating mental health disorders, it has grown easier to do so in the current workplace.
But what about personality disorders? Is it possible to gain disability benefits for an issue that might fall into this category, rather than more “traditional” or commonly-known mental health issues?
Traits of a personality disorder
Social Security lists the mental health conditions that qualify for disability benefits. As a matter of fact, personality disorders do hold a category, sharing it with impulse control disorders.
According to Social Security, these disorders share characteristics such as inflexible, maladaptive, pervasive and enduring patterns of behavior. Most if not all sufferers of these disorders will experience the onset either during adolescence or in early adulthood.
Symptoms of personality disorders
Those afflicted with such issues will often experience symptoms like suspiciousness, distrust, social discomfort and detachment or avoidance and odd beliefs. They might experience hypersensitivity to negativity and an overwhelming desire for others to take care of them. They may obsess over perfectionism, control and orderliness, while simultaneously struggling to make independent choices. Finally, they may have intense, inappropriate and explosive anger, along with disproportionate reactions to provocation or stress.
The disorders commonly associated with this category include schizotypal, schizoid, borderline, paranoid, avoidant, dependent and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. It also includes intermittent explosive disorder. However, there are other disorders that might fall under this category and also fit the requirements for classification as a disorder that is eligible for benefits.
