anxiety disorder

Anxiety disorder is a severe mental illness. Unlike the anxiety or fear that you might experience before a test or public speaking, an anxiety disorder can put its victim into such a state of distress that it can disrupt their normal course of life. There are several recognized categories of anxiety disorders they include, Obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, such as fear of heights, or insects. The last category of anxiety disorders is a general anxiety perhaps provoked by nothing at all.

Anxiety is one of the most common psychological disorders in the United States. It affects more than 20 million people. Because anxiety disorders are a group of related conditions, rather than a single disorder, they can appear very different in each individual. One person may suffer from intense anxiety attacks that strike without warning. While others become panicky at the thought of mingling at a party. Someone else may struggle with a disabling fear of driving or experience uncontrollable and intrusive thoughts. Some may live in a constant state of tension, worrying about anything and everything. Some hints that you may be suffering from an anxiety disorder may include: Feelings of panic, fear, uneasiness, nightmares, obsessive behaviors such a repeatedly washing ones hands, problems sleeping, an inability to be still and calm, nausea, muscle tension, dizziness.

There are six major types of anxiety disorders, each with their own distinct symptoms that include:
a. Generalized anxiety disorder
b. Obsessive-compulsive disorder
c. Panic disorder
d. Phobia
e. Post-traumatic stress disorder
f. Social anxiety disorder

When a disability claim for mental anxiety is reviewed, the Social Security Administration will want to know if there are medically documented findings showing motor tension, autonomic hyperactivity, apprehensive expectation, vigilance and scanning, persistent irrational fear of something, recurrent severe panic attacks, recurrent obsessions or compulsions, recurrent and intrusive recollections of a traumatic experience, restrictions of daily living activities, difficulties maintaining social functioning, difficulties maintaining concentration, pace or persistence, or complete inability to function independently outside of one’s home. The more of these symptoms that are displayed, and the more severe, the higher the chances are of a social security disability or SSI claim being granted. Generally, anxiety claims are not so severe that disability would be granted. But, anxiety in combination with other disabilities can make for a strong claim.

In order to show how severe and debilitating your anxiety is to the Social Security Administration, it is very important to document how this debilitating condition impacts your ability to perform a job and function normally in your daily life.

If you or a loved one suffer from anxiety or any other mental illness and you are no longer able to work, you should consult with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney. Allan W. Ben P.C. is a Michigan and Arizona Social Security Disability law firm which can help you or your loved one with their case. We handle cases all over Michigan including Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County and Livingston County. We also handle Social Security cases in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Call are office toll free at 866-540-0677 or by email at mailto:info@allanwbenpc.com