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Guide to Psychiatric and Psychological Impairments That Can Qualify for Disability Benefits

Jun 16, 2025 - Disability Insurance, Qualifying Conditions by

It is critical for professionals to have disability insurance coverage not only to provide protection in case of physical injury or illness but also as a safeguard in case a psychiatric or psychological disability interferes with the ability to practice their profession responsibly. While mental health impairments can be as debilitating as physical problems, professionals often hesitate to file disability insurance claims for these conditions for a variety of reasons.

When they do seek the benefits they are entitled to under their coverage, these professionals are often met with denials or endless requests for additional information that make it impossible to complete the claims process. An experienced disability insurance lawyer who understands how to document psychiatric and psychological impairments can help professionals receive the benefits necessary to meet expenses while they focus on recovery.

Every disability insurance policy is governed by unique terms, and an attorney who focuses on disability insurance claims can interpret policy provisions and build a portfolio that shows why a policyholder’s condition qualifies for coverage under the specific policy. For background information, here is a general guide on some of the psychiatric and psychological impairments that can qualify for disability benefits under many policies. 

“Mental Nervous” Claims

The companies that provide disability insurance coverage have made it increasingly difficult to successfully file claims based on “mental nervous” and other mental health conditions, as well as claims founded on issues connected with addiction. They frequently adopt an interpretation of policy requirements that has the practical effect of denying coverage. The company may claim a condition is not covered or that a policyholder has not adequately demonstrated that they meet eligibility requirements.

Because psychological symptoms can be challenging to detect, classify, and document objectively and authoritatively, insurance companies often find it easier to deny claims based on these symptoms. While disability insurance providers have never really provided equal recognition to mental illnesses compared with physical ailments, the disparity in treatment between claims seems to be growing more pronounced.

Mood Disorders

Also known as affective disorders, mood disorders are mental and behavioral conditions where an affected individual’s state of mind is often disconnected from actual life circumstances. When the disorder is present, extreme mood conditions significantly impact the individual’s ability to function in both professional and personal life.

Anxiety

Anxiety is widespread among professionals with high-pressure careers. When anxiety interferes with the ability to perform work with the appropriate level of care and attention, then it is necessary for a professional to take a step back and seek treatment.

Many people do not realize that anxiety can manifest with both physical and mental symptoms. These include:

  • Insomnia and fatigue
  • Sweating
  • Headaches
  • Feelings of restlessness or irritability
  • Sensations of dread
  • Shortness of breath
  • Tenseness

Many times, professionals suffering from anxiety feel like they are losing control, and this cycle builds to make symptoms worse. Treatment from a mental health professional can lead to recovery, but often this treatment requires taking time away from work. When symptoms make it impossible to practice or treatment requires a cessation of work, a policyholder should be able to recover benefits provided through disability insurance.

Bipolar Disorder

Physicians, executives, attorneys, and other professionals suffering from bipolar disorder generally experience cycles of manic and depressive episodes that can lead to difficulty in concentration, erratic sleep patterns, poor judgment, inappropriate decision-making, and eating disorders. Self-medication can lead to substance abuse, and attempts to manage the condition often spiral into anxiety.

Although bipolar disorder is a condition that generally requires a lifetime of treatment to manage symptoms, those symptoms can change over time, making management a challenge. Cycles can switch within days or last up to two years at a time. Sometimes, individuals are forced to reduce their work schedules to manage symptoms, and a residual disability claim is appropriate.

Depression

Psychological depression is a condition that is frequently misunderstood, and the effects are often discounted. Depressive disorders go far beyond occasional feelings of sadness or stress. Individuals suffering from depressive disorders are often overwhelmed with hopelessness or other feelings that prevent them from engaging in work or other aspects of life. In addition to bipolar disorder, other depressive disorders include psychotic depression, persistent depressive disorder, and postpartum depression. 

Depressive symptoms include difficulty with concentration, obsession with negative thoughts, and difficulty sleeping, all of which make it nearly impossible for professionals to perform at fast-paced jobs where mistakes can be dangerous. These symptoms may last for years.

Schizophrenia and Delusional Disorders

Symptoms of schizophrenia often mimic symptoms of other disorders, so schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are often not properly diagnosed for some time. The diagnosis and many symptoms may not be apparent until a professional is well-established in their career, and they can be completely caught off guard, disrupting practices and career goals.

Schizophrenia can trigger delusions, thought disorders, and hallucinations. The condition can alter perceptions in ways that make it impossible to work.

Organic Mental Disorders

Neurocognitive disorders that impair mental functioning due to a physical cause, organic mental disorders usually manifest with symptoms that are similar to psychiatric disorders, even though the causes are different.

Dementia is perhaps the most common organic mental disorder, and it can be absolutely devastating for the career of a professional in the medical or any other field. Symptoms also affect cognitive abilities and personality. It becomes difficult to complete complex tasks or communicate effectively, making it impossible to practice a career responsibly. As the condition progresses, the individual affected may not only lose the ability to work but also to manage personal affairs, requiring extensive care and assistance.

Additional Psychiatric and Psychological Impairments

Numerous other conditions can lead to disability that continues for months, years, or indefinitely. These include:

In many cases, an individual may be affected by more than one disorder at a time, making the conditions even more disruptive. When mental health conditions interfere with a professional’s ability to exercise appropriate judgment, evaluate information, and communicate effectively with others, it can be dangerous to try to continue to work. This is the time to focus on treatment and recovery, and disability insurance is designed to provide the resources to do just that.  

Seltzer & Associates Helps Professionals Receive Disability Insurance for Mental Health Conditions

Although it can require considerably more effort to demonstrate that a disability qualifies for benefits under a disability insurance policy when the disability stems from a psychological or psychiatric condition rather than a physiological one, with the right knowledge, it is possible to satisfy the insurance company’s requirements. At Seltzer & Associates, we understand how to ensure that a policyholder has the right records from mental health professionals, including test results, and how to present the evidence persuasively to fulfill policy requirements. We have dedicated our practice to helping professionals who are unable to perform as they should recover benefits under their disability insurance policies.

If you need help filing a claim, appealing a denial, or have questions about coverage, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss how our experienced legal team can assist you. Call us at 888-699-4222 or contact us online to get started now.


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