Mental illnesses and disorders are common and affect the lives of many Oklahoma residents. While most people have heard of depression and anxiety as common afflictions that can impact individuals’ ways of life, there are a number of other mental conditions that can adversely alter how individuals live and operate in their environments. Personality disorders are a class of conditions that may avail individuals to disability benefits from the Social Security Administration.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, a personality disorder may influence how a person sees themselves, how they interact with others and how they control their emotions. There are about 10 different personality disorders that can influence the actions and behaviors of individuals.
Some personality disorders may cause individuals to avoid contact with others, while others may make performing common social norms next to impossible. Individuals with personality disorders may have crippling self-doubt and may even struggle with suicide and self-harm. Although treatments do exist for personality disorders, not all individuals may receive help that improves their conditions to the point of being able to hold down jobs.
The diagnosis of a personality disorder may be the first step a person must take toward learning how to function in a complex world. Their mental illness may be disabling and may not respond to treatment. When it prevents them from working, they should know they have options. Disability benefits from the Social Security Administration may help them get by when they are unable to work and earn an income.