Physical disabilities can prevent you from working and having a normal life. Unfortunately, mental disabilities and disorders can have the same effect. But this gets less attention than physical disabilities. Not as many people know they may have a disorder that makes them eligible for benefits.
For example, do you have a personality disorder? Did you know that you may be eligible for benefits if this disorder disrupts your ability to work and live normally?
Types of personality disorders
Social Security discusses the possibility of benefits for people suffering from personality disorders. Several disorders fall under this category, including:
- Schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders
- Intermittent explosive disorder
- Borderline, avoidant and dependent personality disorders
- Paranoid personality disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive personality disorders
These disorders share several traits. For example, they share maladaptive, inflexible, enduring and pervasive patterns of behaviors. Most sufferers first face these disorders in young adulthood or as adolescents.
These disorders also share several symptoms. For example, many sufferers experience suspicion or patterns of distrust. You may have hypersensitivity toward negative evaluation. You could struggle to make independent decisions and wish for the constant care of others. You could have intense and impulsive anger. You might also react disproportionately to psychosocial stressors.
Difficulties in the workplace
Needless to say, these types of symptoms can make it difficult or even impossible for you to work well in a shared working environment. Most jobs require interactions with employers, coworkers and customers. If you exhibit strong signs of a personality disorder, this can make it hard for you to hold normal interactions.
If you fall under one of these categories, then you may apply for benefits. Just understand that this is the first step of a fairly lengthy process. This is why some choose to have the aid of a legal professional while applying.
