As a resident in Georgia, you understand that certain disabilities qualify an individual to apply for benefits. Most of the time, you hear about this regarding physical disabilities.
But what about mental health disorders or conditions that affect your physical health, too? Are you eligible if you suffer from an eating disorder?
Mental health disorders and benefits
Social Security examines mental health disorders that may qualify for benefits. There are many different categories and related conditions that are eligible for application. Among them are eating disorders, which Social Security classifies as a mental condition.
According to them, eating disorders are primarily characterized by eating behavior disturbances. This includes a preoccupation with body weight and shape. It also includes overly-critical and excessive self-evaluation of your own weight and shape.
Common symptoms of eating disorders
Eating disorder symptoms vary from disorder to disorder and person to person. The most common include:
- Recurrent binge eating episodes
- Behaviors intended to prevent gaining weight
- Restriction of energy consumption
- Mood disturbances
- Irritability and social withdrawal
- Dental problems
- Abnormalities with cardiac system or laboratory findings
- Amenorrhea
There are several types of disorders that fall under this category. The two most common are anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Avoidant/restrictive food disorders also fall under this category. So do binge-eating disorders.
If you believe you have an eating disorder as listed above, you might qualify to apply for benefits. You must provide the requested documentation with your application, including proof of your illness. From there, Social Security will determine what impact your disorder has on your daily life. If the impact is large enough, you may get benefits.
