Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & Social Security Benefits | OCD Claims Lawyer | Mental Illness SSD Benefits Attorney

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental illness that traps people in endless cycles of repetitive thoughts and behaviors. People who suffer from OCD have recurrent distressing thoughts that they are unable to control. A person’s compulsions may include rituals such as repetitive handwashing, counting, cleaning or endlessly checking on things. These rituals are performed in hopes of making the distressing thoughts go away.

In the U.S., OCD afflicts more than 3.3 million adults and 1 million children. OCD can be all consuming, and so can prevent you from working and having a normal life. If your obsessive-compulsive disorder prevents you from working, you may qualify for Social Security disability for your OCD.

Social Security Disability Benefits and OCD SSD Lawyers

Just like a physical disability, OCD can qualify you for monthly disability benefits, including SSI and SSDI, if your condition prevents you from holding down a job. A mental health provider can evaluate your symptoms and see if you suffer from OCD. To qualify for monthly Social Security disability benefits from the federal government, your symptoms of OCD must be of such a great intensity that you cannot work and must persist for over a year.

When gauging your claim for monthly disability benefits on the basis of an OCD diagnosis, the Social Security Administration will want to review medical evidence, mental health records and other sources of information about your mental health.

The process of applying for disability benefits can be a long and painful one. A Social Security lawyer well versed in disability law as well as the difficulties a person with Obsessive-Compulsive disorder faces can help quickly and effectively maneuver your case through the system. An attorney with experience handling complicated disability claims dealing with mental health issues will be ideally positioned to win your case for you.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

While the symptoms of OCD vary from person to person, common obsessions include:

  1. Fear of germs or dirt;
  2. Fear of hurting yourself or another person;
  3. Fear of being embarrassed;
  4. Fear of thinking sinful thoughts;
  5. Fear of making a mistake; and
  6. Excessive doubt or needing constant reassurance.

Common compulsions include:

  1. Refusing to touch doorknobs or shake hands;

  2. Repeated handwashing,

  3. Bathing or showering;

  4. Constant counting, either mentally or aloud;

  5. Arranging items in a specific way;

  6. Repeating specific sentences, words or prayers;

  7. Needing to perform task a certain number of times;Hoarding items; and

  8. Eating things in a specific order.

Cause of OCD

While an exact cause is not known, doctors believe that Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors. Environmental factors that may contribute to OCD include abuse, changes in living situation, death of a loved one, illness or changes in work or school situations.

Treatment for OCD

Treatment of OCD typically involves both medications and cognitive-behavior therapy. Cognitive behavior therapy is aimed at teaching those with OCD to face their fears and reduce their anxiety without performing their rituals. Medications used to treat OCD include Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft.

Related disorders

OCD is a type of anxiety disorder. Related disorders include Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Skin Picking Disorder, Tourette Syndrome and Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling).

If you have suffered from chronic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder for the past two years that has resulted in the complete inability to function independently outside the area of your home, you are a likely candidate for Social Security Disability, or SSD, benefits. We can connect you with an accomplished Social Security Advocate who is well equipped to handle your case.

For more information about OCD visit the Social Security Administration’s website.