Bipolar Disorder Disability Diagnosis


Bipolar Disorder Disability Diagnosis Minnesota

Bipolar disorder disability benefits are available through Social Security provided a claimant has a proper diagnosis and good documentation of work limitations. Bipolar disorder is a long-term illness that often goes unrecognized as an illness and therefore is not properly diagnosed and treated.

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Bipolar disorder disability is best diagnosed by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Social Security will give the greatest weight to a psychiatrist’s diagnosis especially when it comes to the effect of medications. The most frequently prescribed drug for bipolar disorder is lithium carbonate. Social Security may look at blood tests to see if you are following prescribed therapy when evaluating your disability case.

Bipolar disorder causes unusual mood shifts dramatic mood swings—from overly “high” and/or irritable to sad and hopeless, and then back again, often with periods of normal mood in between. Severe changes in energy and behavior go along with these changes in mood. The periods of highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression.

A bipolar disorder examination can consist of several different components. A complete psychiatric history including symptoms of family members and relatives is part of the diagnosis for bipolar. A complete medical history and physical examination is also used to rule out or exclude other physical illnesses that might be causing symptoms similar to those found in bipolar disorder.

Signs and symptoms - the mania of bipolar disorder include:

• Increased energy and physical and mental activity
• Excessively “high,” overly good, euphoric mood
• Extreme irritability, aggressive behavior
• Racing thoughts and talking very fast, jumping from one idea to another
• Distractibility, can’t concentrate well
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unrealistic beliefs in one’s abilities and powers
• Poor judgment
• Increased sexual drive
• Drug abuse, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medications
• Provocative, intrusive, or aggressive behavior
• Denial that anything is wrong

A manic episode is diagnosed if elevated mood occurs with three or more of the other symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for 1 week or longer. If the mood is irritable, four additional symptoms must be present.

Signs and symptoms – the lows of bipolar disorder include:

• Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
• Decreased or loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Decreased energy, a feeling of fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
• Restlessness or irritability
• Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep
• Appetite changes appetite and/or unintended weight loss or gain
• Unexplained chronic pain or bodily aches
• Thoughts of death or suicide

A Fields Law bipolar disorder disability attorney will assist you in getting the correct diagnosis and documentation for your bipolar disability. If you are unable to work because of bipolar, we can help you apply for social security benefits. If you have been denied disability benefits we can appeal your case.

We offer a Free case review. Our Minnesota bipolar disorder disability lawyers understand how frustrating it is to suffer from bipolar and be denied disability benefits when you are unable to work. There are never any fees unless we win your disability case.

Fields Law MN Disability Center

We are a Minnesota Disability Law Firm dedicated to helping people in Minnesota get the Social Security Disability benefits they deserve.

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