Depression and Social Security Disability Guidelines

For an adult to be considered disabled by Social Security, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working and that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death. The Social Security administration uses a five-step process to decide whether you are disabled. As part of that process, they check to see if you have a condition as described in the listing of impairments.  If you do, they may consider your medical condition to be disabling. Even if your particular medical condition is not on the list, you may still be found disabled.

The Social Security Administration specific criteria for depression:

 

12.04 Affective disorders: Characterized by a disturbance of mood, accompanied by a full or partial manic or depressive syndrome. Mood refers to a prolonged emotion that colors the whole psychic life; it generally involves either depression or elation.
 

The required level of severity for these disorders is met when the requirements in both A and B are satisfied, or when the requirements in C are satisfied.
 

A. Medically documented persistence, either continuous or intermittent, of one of the following:
 

1. Depressive syndrome characterized by at least four of the following:

a. Anhedonia or pervasive loss of interest in almost all activities; or

b. Appetite disturbance with change in weight; or

c. Sleep disturbance; or

d. Psychomotor agitation or retardation; or

e. Decreased energy; or

f. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness; or

g. Difficulty concentrating or thinking; or

h. Thoughts of suicide; or

i. Hallucinations, delusions, or paranoid thinking; or

2. Manic syndrome characterized by at least three of the following:

a. Hyperactivity; or

b. Pressure of speech; or

c. Flight of ideas; or

d. Inflated self-esteem; or

e. Decreased need for sleep; or

f. Easy distractibility; or

g. Involvement in activities that have a high probability of painful consequences which are not recognized; or

h. Hallucinations, delusions or paranoid thinking; or
 

3. Bipolar syndrome with a history of episodic periods manifested by the full symptomatic picture of both manic and depressive syndromes (and currently characterized by either or both syndromes); AND

B. Resulting in at least two of the following:

1. Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or

2. Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or

3. Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace; or

4. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration; OR
 

C. Medically documented history of a chronic affective disorder of at least 2 years duration that has caused more than a minimal limitation of ability to do basic work activities, with symptoms or signs currently attenuated by medication or psychosocial support, and one of the following:

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The Social Security attorneys at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender have represented thousands of people seeking Social Security benefits. We can explain the process, review medical records, and help you prepare for the hearing. Contact us for a free, confidential review of your case or call us at 1-800-809-2234.