Helping those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) obtain Disability
Obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce anxiety, repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety, or combinations of such thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions). OCD and other anxiety-related disorders are listed as qualifying conditions for receiving Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. People with OCD often do not know the severity of their condition until it is either extreme or do not realize what is happening. Having OCD can impair your ability to concentrate, or communicate with those around you, preventing you from being able to work at a reasonable level.
Someone with OCD will have obsessive thoughts and tend to become anxious or develop a fear that something will go wrong. In order to relax these feelings they carry out certain actions called compulsions. For instance someone with OCD may obsess over the presence of germs in their home, so they wash their hands over and over. They may forget about the obsession for a while, but the thought will return and so will the hand washing.
Other common compulsions include:
- Cleaning and grooming
- Double and triple checking doors and locks for security
- Double and triple checking electronics or appliances to make sure they are off
- Continuously seeking approval or encouragement
- Hoarding items that should be thrown away
- Repeating movements like going through a doorway more than once or turning a light on and off
- Positioning objects in a certain pattern
- Counting to a specific number over and over again
You Can Be Approved For Benefits If You Have OCD
The attorneys at Berger and Green have represented many clients with OCD. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a serious mental condition. Call the attorneys at Berger and Green to discuss your Social Security Disability claim today.
