Patients with dysthymia or dysthymic disorder may be unable to work because of its symptoms and complications. If you are unable to work due to dysthymia, you may qualify for long-term disability (LTD) benefits. Your insurance company will review your claim to see if you qualify under the terms of your insurance 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 persistent depressive disorder. The illness is characterized by a consistently sad and troubled state of mind. 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, the depression can become particularly intense. Dysthymia 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 live normal lives, although they may still experience symptoms. Since the illness can last for several years, those suffering may eventually come to believe that the depression they are experiencing is part of their character ,and may never approach doctors and family about it. This can sometimes make the illness hard to diagnose, as it is commonly accepted that the condition must have taken place for at least two years to count as persistent depressive disorder.
Working with an experienced disability attorney will give you the best chance of getting the benefits you deserve for your dysthymic disorder. 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.
Get Help with Your Dysthymia Disability Claim
Getting expert help is often the difference between being denied and being approved for benefits. An experienced disability attorney can guide you through the long-term disability appeal process. They only get paid if your claim is successful. There are no upfront costs or unexpected fees.
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 Ortiz at (888) 321-8131 for a free case evaluation.
