What is considered a mental disability?

Ethan Walker | 2023-06-09 12:22:03 | page views:1867
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Zoe Taylor

Studied at the University of Auckland, Lives in Auckland, New Zealand.
As an expert in the field of psychology and mental health, I can provide a comprehensive understanding of what is considered a mental disability. It's important to note that the term "mental disability" is often used interchangeably with "mental disorder" or "mental illness," but for the purpose of this discussion, we'll focus on the criteria that define a mental disability as recognized by various health and social security systems.

**Step 1: Understanding Mental Disabilities**

A mental disability is a broad term that encompasses a range of conditions that affect a person's cognitive, emotional, and social abilities. These conditions can be chronic or episodic, mild or severe, and they often interfere with an individual's ability to function effectively in daily life. The Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States has specific criteria for determining whether a mental condition qualifies as a disability.

According to the Blue Book, which is the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Handbook, mental disorders are categorized into several major classes, including:


1. Organic Mental Disorders: These are conditions that result from a direct impact on the brain, such as Alzheimer's disease or brain injuries.
2. **Schizophrenic Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders**: These include conditions like schizophrenia, where individuals may experience hallucinations or delusions.

3. Affective Disorders: This category covers mood disorders such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder.
4. **Neurotic, Stress-Related, and Somatoform Disorders**: This includes anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

5. Substance-Related Disorders: These are disorders related to the use of substances such as drugs and alcohol.

6. Developmental Disorders: This includes conditions like autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities (previously referred to as mental retardation).

For a mental disorder to be considered a disability under the SSA's guidelines, it must meet certain criteria:

- Severity: The condition must be severe enough to significantly limit the individual's ability to perform basic work-related activities.
- Duration: The condition must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
- Treatment: The individual must be undergoing treatment for the condition, and the severity of the condition must be assessed based on the individual's response to treatment.

It's also important to understand that mental disabilities are not inherently negative or stigmatizing. They are medical conditions that require appropriate care and support, just like physical disabilities or illnesses.

Step 2: Translation into Chinese


2024-05-12 02:20:10

Amelia Thomas

Studied at the University of Cambridge, Lives in Cambridge, UK.
Social Security does have a disability handbook known as the --blue book -- (formally, the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Handbook), which contains criteria for various mental disorders to be considered disabilities, such as organic mental disorders, schizophrenia, mental retardation, anxiety-related ...
2023-06-12 12:22:03

Isabella Young

QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Social Security does have a disability handbook known as the --blue book -- (formally, the Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Handbook), which contains criteria for various mental disorders to be considered disabilities, such as organic mental disorders, schizophrenia, mental retardation, anxiety-related ...
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