Is Anxiety a Mental Disability for Social Security Purposes?
Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting tens of millions of adults. While many people manage their anxiety without significant functional impairment, severe anxiety disorders can profoundly limit a person's ability to work, maintain relationships, and carry out daily activities. This raises an important question: is anxiety a mental disability for Social Security Disability purposes? The answer is yes — under the right circumstances. Understanding anxiety as a disability and whether you can get disability for anxiety requires a closer look at how the SSA evaluates mental health claims.
How the SSA Classifies Anxiety Disorders
The Social Security Administration evaluates anxiety under its Listing of Impairments (commonly called the "Blue Book"), ...