Patients with dysthymia may be unable to work because of their disease and its related complications. Patients who find themselves unable to work because of their dysthymia may qualify for long term disability (LTD) benefits. The insurance company will review their claim to see if they qualify under the conditions of that plan.
What is Dysthymia?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 11 million people 18 or older suffer from a mental condition known as dysthymic disorder or dysthymia. It is also known as chronic depression, major depression, clinical depression, and unipolar depression, and is very similar to recurring depression, though not as debilitating. The illness is characterized by a consistently sad and troubled state of mind, and symptoms also include difficulty in sleeping and eating, trouble concentrating or making decisions, loss of energy, and a lack of interest in things that were once pleasurable.
These symptoms are generally akin to major depressive disorder, though milder and unending for a lengthy period. Everybody experiences feelings of depression in life at moments of extremely heightened sadness, but for those with major depressive disorder, one of the usual symptoms of a bipolar disorder, the depression can become particularly intense. Dysthymic disorder causes its victims to suffer from the same persistently sad feelings that those with major depressive disorder experience, though on a milder scale and with more long-lasting effects.
Most of the people with dysthymia are able to carry on normal lives, though they may be notably unhappy. Since the illness typically lasts for several years, those suffering may eventually accept the depression they are experiencing as part of their character and may never approach doctors and family about it. This can sometimes make the illness hard to diagnose, but it is accepted that the condition must have taken place for at least two years to count as chronic depression.
Working with an experienced disability attorney will give you the best chance of getting the benefits you deserve for your polio. Even if you have been denied benefits, that does not mean your fight is over. Many people are denied benefits the first time they apply. You have the right to file an appeal and try to get more information that may help your case. Getting expert help is often the difference between being denied and being approved for benefits.
While the process can be daunting, your experienced disability attorney will be able to guide you through the process. They do not get paid until you win your case. You can seek help without worrying about upfront costs or unexpected bills.
People with dysthymic disorder are often incapable of keeping it from overtaking their thoughts with sorrow and can, therefore, often become unable to perform normal activities. If you or a loved one has become disabled due to dysthymic disorder and would like more information on how to apply for long term disability benefits, contact dysthymia attorney Nick A. Ortiz at (888) 321-8131 for a free case evaluation.