Strong Medical Evidence Needed to Obtain SSDI Benefits for Depression

June 20, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- People who have never experienced clinical depression often wonder why their depressed friends and family members can't just "snap out of it" and get on with their lives. It can be hard for them to understand that depression is about more than just having a bad day. It is a serious medical condition that can wreak havoc on a person's life. Severe depression can be profoundly disabling and can, in some cases, prevent a person from being able to hold down a job. For that reason, many people with clinical depression qualify for Social Security Disability benefits to help them stay afloat while they work on getting better. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be hard to prove a depression-related disability claim. Many applicants -- especially those who did not get help from a disability attorney -- are initially denied because they did not provide sufficient medical evidence. SSD applicants with depression are required to show both that their condition impairs their ability to work and that the impairment is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months. To assess an applicant's level of impairment, the Social Security Administration will look at areas including the applicant's ability to perform "activities of daily living" such as cooking, shopping and paying bills. SSA also reviews the applicant's ability to function in a social group, how well the applicant is able to focus on common work tasks and whether the applicant has experienced especially disabling periods of exacerbated symptoms. It is crucial to support an SSD application with medical records and reports that document how the applicant's depression affects these areas. Continuing Treatment and Therapy Ongoing medical treatment is usually required to maintain eligibility for SSD benefits for depression. Of course, even if SSD is taken out of the picture, ongoing treatment is still a good idea. Depression does not have to be a life-long condition. Although not every treatment will work for every patient, there are a number of different medications and therapy options available, and most patients are able to find a combination that works for them. If you're experiencing debilitating depression, know that you have options. Talk to a Social Security Disability attorney who can help you take care of your financial needs so you can focus on getting better. Article provided by Wolf and Brown, L.L.C. Visit us at www.philipwolf.com --- Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com