Allsup Advises Ongoing Treatment For Those Suffering
With Depression
Continuous treatment,
documentation from mental healthcare professionals are important
when seeking Social Security disability benefits
Belleville, Ill.-June 13,
2011-Depression is a relatively common disorder that can interrupt
lifestyles, normal routines and daily activities. Researchers at
the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) report that
depression and other debilitating mental illnesses affect 6 percent
of the adult population and cost more than $300 billion each year.
According to Allsup, which represents tens of thousands people
nationwide in the Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) application process each
year, it is imperative that those who suffer with depression
receive the necessary treatment and ensure documentation by their
healthcare providers.
Depression comes in several forms, according to NIMH,
including major depression, dysthymia, psychosis, postpartum
depression, seasonal affective disorder and bipolar disorder. In
addition, depression may live side-by-side with other illnesses,
such as post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder, panic disorder, social phobia and anxiety disorder.
The most important step for individuals is to make their
doctor aware of their illness so that it can be properly addressed,
said Ed Swierczek, senior claims representative at Allsup. Social
Security Disability Insurance is a federally mandated insurance
program. SSDI
provides monthly benefits to individuals with a severe disability
who are under full retirement age (age 65 or older) and who can no
longer work because of a severe disability (injury, illness or
condition) that is expected to last for at least 12 months or is
terminal. Individuals must have paid FICA taxes to be
eligible.
"Anyone suffering from depression should always seek a mental
healthcare professional for treatment," Swierczek said.
"Psychiatrists and psychologists are preferred as treatment
sources, but the Social Security Administration has now indicated
in a recent ruling that the evidence from a licensed clinical
social worker or therapist may be used as evidence in the support
of a claim for
SSDI benefits."
Documentation of medical treatment by mental health
professionals is needed to reflect the presence of the disorder as
well as other symptoms produced by the illness. "A primary care
physician may be aware of your depression, but the records of a
qualified mental healthcare professional will have more weight
before an administrative law judge," Swierczek said.
Find a doctor who will take steps to rule out all other
possibilities. Some medications, viruses or a thyroid disorder can
imitate the same symptoms as depression. When the doctor determines
that no other medical condition is the cause, the patient may then
be referred to a mental health professional for a thorough
diagnostic evaluation.
An individual with depression can be treated with a number of
methods once a diagnosis has been determined. The most common
treatments are medication and psychotherapy.
"Depression can affect one not only mentally but physically,"
Swierczek said. "Symptoms can lead to reduced energy, enthusiasm
and motivation. This can be expressed by a claimant as marked
fatigue or not feeling like doing anything."
According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of American
(ADAA), other symptoms include loss of interest in pleasurable
hobbies and activities, poor sleep, low appetite, change in weight,
difficulty concentrating and thinking. In addition, feelings of
hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness,
irritability and thoughts of suicide can play a part in a major
depressive episode.
"Periodic and timely doctor visits are important to document
the ongoing nature of depression for SSDI benefits," Swierczek
said. "The credibility of a claim could be questioned if one only
sees a mental healthcare professional a few times a year."
Both NIMH and ADAA, which provide additional resources to
individuals and their families, highlight the nature of depression
as a treatable disorder. Depression sufferers who follow
appropriate treatment can get better and prevent recurrence.
Contact the Allsup Disability Evaluation Center at (800)
678-3276 for a free SSDI evaluation or for answers to SSDI
eligibility questions. Learn more about Social Security disability
benefits at Allsup.com.