Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that causes disruptions in a person’s thought processes, emotions, social interactions and perceptions of reality. Though symptoms of schizophrenia vary drastically from person to person, they are often severe and debilitating.
If you or a loved one live with schizophrenia, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Medical News Today explains why schizophrenia is a disability and how it affects your ability to work.
Schizophrenia as a disability
Per the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book list of impairments, a disability is a condition that renders a person unable to engage in substantial gainful activity, meaning any activity that enables him or her to earn a decent wage within a month’s time. Schizophrenia is not only one such disability but also, is a leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting a person’s social, emotional, personal, educational and occupational life.
How schizophrenia affects a person’s capacity to work
Though the symptoms of schizophrenia vary from person to person, they are generally severe and fall into one of three categories: negative, cognitive and psychotic. Regardless of which category symptoms fall into, they often impact a person’s ability to work, which may explain the low unemployment rates among persons diagnosed with the condition. Common symptoms of schizophrenia include the following:
- Delusions and hallucinations
- Abnormal body movements
- Unusual ways of thinking and/or illogical thinking
- Difficulties feeling pleasure
- Troubles carrying out or planning activities
- Being socially awkward and/or avoiding social activities or interactions
These symptoms can drastically interfere with your daily life and, more importantly, your ability to sustain substantial gainful activity. If you develop one or more of these symptoms, and if you worry about your ability to care for yourself financially, consider seeking help with a Social Security Disability application.