Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can become chronically disruptive to an individual’s efforts to sustain full-time employment. Though there are several subtypes of bipolar disorder, the type that typically prevents individuals from working is known as Bipolar I disorder, which is marked by severe mood swings that can result in significant difficulties in family life, school, employment, and interpersonal relationships. Symptoms of Bipolar I disorder reflect the manic and depressive phases of the disease as captured by the below symptom list compiled by the Mayo Clinic.

– Euphoria
– Inflated self-esteem
– Poor judgment
– Rapid speech
– Racing thoughts
– Aggressive behavior
– Agitation or irritation
– Increased physical activity
– Risky behavior
– Spending sprees or unwise financial choices
– Increased drive to perform or achieve goals
– Increased sex drive
– Decreased need for sleep
– Easily distracted
– Careless or dangerous use of drugs or alcohol
– Frequent absences from work or school
– Delusions or a break from reality (psychosis)
– Poor performance at work or school
– Sadness
– Hopelessness
– Suicidal thoughts or behavior
– Anxiety
– Guilt
– Sleep problems
– Low appetite or increased appetite
– Fatigue
– Loss of interest in activities once considered enjoyable
– Problems concentrating
– Irritability
– Chronic pain without a known cause
– Frequent absences from work or school
– Poor performance at work or school

It is obvious how a person suffering from these symptoms in a chronic fashion would not be able to maintain a full-time job. If you are being treated for bipolar disorder and have been unable to work due to the severity of your symptoms, Social Security disability may be an option for you.

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If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys about beginning a claim for disability benefits or appealing a claim in which you have already been denied, please consider contacting our office for a free disability evaluation.