Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders, and it can often be treated effectively with a combination of holistic therapies, medication, and/or counseling. However, in some cases, depression can develop into a severe and chronic condition, becoming a key consideration in a Social Security disability claim.

Social Security typically doesn’t focus on the cause of depression. It may be long-standing, or it may be triggered by chronic illness, trauma, or significant life changes. Depression can also occur alongside other mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder. While the underlying cause is not the primary concern, proving the symptoms of depression and how they impact the claimant’s ability to function is crucial in many Social Security disability cases.

The Social Security Listings of Impairments outline the criteria used to evaluate various conditions for disability claims. Section 12.04, which covers Affective Disorders, includes diagnoses for Depression, Bipolar Disorder, and Manic Syndrome. As with most Listings, the initial focus is on demonstrating the presence of symptoms leading to the diagnosis, which is typically straightforward. However, the primary challenge often lies in proving the severity of these symptoms and how they affect an individual’s ability to function and maintain work activity.

In many cases, the key issue is demonstrating the severity of the symptoms. To support this, clinical records from the treating psychiatrist and psychologist—specialists in the field—are crucial. Given that many psychiatrists focus primarily on medication management, it’s important for claimants to also be receiving treatment from a qualified therapist or counselor. Therapists often provide more detailed insights into daily functional challenges than psychiatrists and can serve as a valuable supplementary source of evidence.

It’s important to emphasize to clients that every visit should thoroughly describe their daily limitations and challenges. The more detailed the information, the stronger the supporting evidence will be. If you have a client struggling with severe depression, reach out to our office for assistance. We are here to help.