Is Panic Disorder a Disability

When people hear the word disability they might assume it refers to a physical problem that interferes with job functions. However, a disability might also pertain to a mental health condition, such as panic disorder. If you are wondering, “Is panic disorder a disability?” and are looking for answers, please read on.

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder is a complex type of anxiety disorder that affects 2.7% of U.S. adults, according to the NIMH. It is notable that panic disorder is about twice as prevalent in women than males and highest in the 3-44 age group.

Panic disorder features unpredictable panic attacks, which invoke feelings of intense fear or dread. The symptoms of the panic attack are very similar to a heart attack, which is quite frightening. When repeated panic attacks occur, it is diagnosed as panic disorder.

Because these events are so scary, someone with panic disorder begins to anticipate the next panic attack. They become so worried about having a panic attack that it leads to isolating behaviors. For someone who is employed, this can result in excessive absences directly caused by the disorder. Is panic disorder a disability? If certain criteria is met, yes, panic disorder may indeed qualify as a disability.

The cause of panic disorder remains a mystery, although the research continues to look for answers. This 2019 study covers multiple factors that are currently being considered as causal for panic disorder.

What Are Panic Attacks?

When you consider how a panic attack feels, it isn’t surprising that someone might ask, “Is panic disorder a disability?” After all, panic attacks are very upsetting events that can prevent someone from leaving the house and going to work.

Symptoms of a panic attack may include:

• Chest pain
• Rapid heart rate
• Dizziness
• Chills
• Hot flashes
• Choking sensation
• Intense feeling of doom
• Feeling out of control
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Feeling very weak or faint
• Shortness of breath
• Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
• Headache
• Chills
• Feelings of detachment
• Fear of dying

Although a panic attack can feel like a heart attack with similar symptoms, note the distinct differences:

• Heart attack. A heart attack or cardiac infarction is usually due to a blockage or multiple blockages in coronary arteries. Many times, a heart attack occurs while engaged in physical exertion, but not always. Heart attacks usually come on gradually, with symptoms creeping in over a period of time, and sometimes they are sudden. A heart attack also takes longer than a panic attack to subside, and the result could be fatal. Heart attack symptoms include:
  • Fatigue
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Numbness in left arm
  • Sweating
  • Shortness of breath.
• Panic attack. A panic attack tends to strike without warning. The cause is often related to anxiety, such as feelings of fear or dread. This can induce the fight or flight response, but is more pronounced in someone with panic disorder. Where a panic attack is a mental health condition, a heart attack is a physical condition. Symptoms of a panic attack include:
  • Racing heart
  • Sweating
  • Shaking
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or pressure.

Can a Mental Health Disorder Qualify as a Disability?

When an affliction like panic disorder cripples your ability to function in the workplace, it may qualify as a disability. Under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) an employer cannot deny employment or career opportunities due to panic disorder. The ADA expects the person to be capable of performing their duties with reasonable accommodations by the employer.

If someone with panic disorder meets certain criteria, they would be able to receive government assistance under the Social Security Administration. These funds become available when the person is no longer able to work due to the panic disorder.
Criteria for Disability Claims

While benefits are available, it can be a challenge to prove your case. To qualify, they must have worked five of the ten prior years. The criteria for receiving disability for panic disorder include:

1. You experience regular, persistent symptoms. To qualify, you must meet one or both of these:
   • You have regular panic attacks and you have ongoing fear of having additional panic attacks.
   • Your fear of panic attacks must relate to at least two situations. These might include being in a public place, being outside, riding on a bus, etc.
2. Your panic attacks extremely limit your ability to work. Your panic disorder must cause extreme limitation in at least one of these areas:
   • Ability to comprehend, recall, and apply information
   • Ability to interact with coworkers
   • Ability to stay on task and complete work duties
   • Ability to adapt to changes and manage your behavior
3. Your panic disorder is serious and long-term. You will need to provide records that document treatment and lack of improvement and show that:
   • You have suffered from panic disorder for at least two years.
   • You receive ongoing treatment for the panic disorder.
   • You are unable to adapt to changes at work, even with treatment and support.

Treatment Options for Panic Disorder

Treatment for panic disorder is available in either outpatient treatment or residential care. The level of care needed for treatment of panic disorder depends on various factors. These include severity of the symptoms, frequency of panic attacks, level of impairment, history of the disorder, and co-occurring disorders.

Treatment for panic disorder includes:

• • Psychotherapy. Evidence-based psychotherapies include:
    • CBT using the panic control treatment protocol
    • Virtual-reality CBT
    • Prolonged exposure therapy
    • Panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy (PFPP)

• EMDR. This is a short-term adjunct therapy that helps manage the effects of severe anxiety.
• Medication. Drugs that may help panic disorder include benzodiazepines, beta-blockers, and antidepressants.
• Support groups. Group therapy is helpful for peers in treatment for panic disorder to find support and understanding.
• Holistic. Holistic techniques help reduce stress levels and manage anxiety in general. These might include guided meditation, yoga, mindfulness, breath work, and grounding techniques,

Robles Ranch Mental Health Offers Help for Panic Disorder

Robles Ranch Mental Health is a residential mental health treatment program that treats all forms of anxiety disorder, including panic disorder. Is panic disorder a disability? If your panic disorder is disrupting your ability to work, it just might be. Give us a call today to discuss treatment options at (866) 840-3841.