Anxiety disorders are mental illnesses characterized by feelings of fear, worry, and anxiousness that can become overwhelming and persistent. In severe cases, anxiety disorders can interfere with daily life, relationships, and the ability to maintain employment. When symptoms become disabling and prevent a person from working, they may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
About Anxiety Disorders
Everyone experiences anxiety from time to time. Stressful events such as family conflict, important tests, interviews, or major life decisions can cause temporary feelings of nervousness or worry. However, anxiety disorders are different because the symptoms are more intense, long-lasting, and difficult to control.
Common symptoms of anxiety disorders may include:
Dry mouth
Nausea
Dizziness
Muscle tension
Racing heart
Shakiness
Sleep disturbances
Disorganized thinking
Feelings of fear or panic
Cold or sweaty hands and feet
Difficulty remaining calm or still
Anxiety disorders affect millions of Americans and may develop due to genetic factors, substance abuse, or alongside other mental health conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
Types of Anxiety Disorders
Medical professionals recognize several different types of anxiety disorders, each with its own symptoms and challenges.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is characterized by ongoing and excessive worry about everyday situations and activities.
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder involves sudden and repeated panic attacks that can occur without warning. Symptoms may include chest pain, trembling, sweating, and intense fear.
Social Anxiety Disorder
Also known as social phobia, this condition causes extreme fear of social situations and interactions due to concerns about embarrassment or judgment.
Specific Phobias
Specific phobias involve intense and irrational fears of certain objects or situations, such as heights, spiders, or flying.
Qualifying for Disability Benefits with an Anxiety Disorder
Obtaining Social Security Disability benefits based solely on an anxiety disorder can be difficult because mental health conditions can be challenging to prove and may sometimes improve with treatment. However, individuals with severe symptoms that significantly limit their ability to function may still qualify.
The Social Security Administration evaluates anxiety disorders under Section 12.06 of its Blue Book listing for anxiety-related disorders. Applicants generally must satisfy the requirements of either:
Requirements A and B
orRequirements A and C
Requirement A
Applicants must provide medical documentation showing at least one of the following:
Persistent Anxiety Symptoms
Persistent anxiety along with at least three of the following symptoms:
Motor tension
Autonomic hyperactivity
Apprehensive expectation
Vigilance and scanning
Persistent Irrational Fear
A severe irrational fear of an object or situation that results in significant avoidance behavior.
Severe Panic Attacks
Recurring panic attacks that occur on average at least once per week.
Obsessions or Compulsions
Consistent obsessions or compulsive behaviors that cause marked distress.
Traumatic Recollections
Repeated intrusive memories of traumatic experiences that create significant distress.
Requirement B
Applicants must also show at least two of the following limitations:
Marked restriction in daily activities
Difficulty maintaining social functioning
Difficulty maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace
Repeated episodes of decompensation lasting an extended period
Requirement C
Applicants may also qualify if medical evidence shows they are unable to function independently outside of their home.
Mental Residual Functional Capacity
One important piece of evidence in a disability claim involving anxiety is a Mental Residual Functional Capacity (MRFC) assessment completed by a treating physician or mental health provider.
This form helps explain how the anxiety disorder affects a person’s ability to function in a work environment, including their ability to:
Concentrate
Follow instructions
Interact with others
Handle stress
Maintain attendance and productivity
If the Social Security Administration determines that an individual can still perform unskilled work, disability benefits may be denied due to insufficient severity.