When it comes to mental health conditions, the question of whether they can be considered disabilities is a controversial and debated issue.
If we talk about borderline personality disorder, also called BPD, it’s an incredibly difficult condition.
People with this condition experience unstable emotions, relationships, and issues with self-image.
The symptoms of BPD can seriously affect a person’s life and their ability to function under different circumstances.
Below we will address the question at hand: Is borderline personality disorder a disability?
Let’s get right into it.
What is Disability?
Disability, according to different organizations, is a physical or mental impairment that substantially affects a person’s competency to perform major life activities.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline Personality Disorder, or BPD, is a mental health condition where people have a hard time managing their feelings and thoughts. It can also cause impulsive behavior and trouble with relationships. The feelings can be very intense and can change quickly.
Symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder
People with BPD might:
- Have very intense feelings that can change rapidly.
- Find it hard to stay calm and comfortable when they’re alone.
- Have difficulty maintaining stable relationships.
- Act impulsively, like spending recklessly, eating disorderly, or driving dangerously.
- Have a persistent fear of abandonment.
- Have a negative self-image.
- Have difficulty trusting others.
- Experience intense anger and have trouble handling it.
- Feel empty or as if they are nobody.
- Have thoughts of hurting themselves or have a history of self-harm or suicide attempts.
These symptoms might vary, and not everyone with BPD will experience all of these symptoms.
It’s important to speak with a professional if you or someone you care about is showing these signs.
Reach out to us at Healthy Mind Foundation if you have these symptoms and need professional management and treatment.
Legal Terms and Disability Benefits
Is BPD a disability? In some areas, BPD might meet the legal criteria for disability.
Government agencies and institutions follow specific guidelines for determining disability.
In many cases, they involve assessing functional impairments and their impact on a person’s ability to work or perform daily tasks.
People who suffer from severe BPD are considered disabled under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Under the guidelines set by the Social Security Administration (SSA), borderline personality disorder can be recognized as a disabling condition when it substantially interferes with vocational responsibilities.
Eligibility for Social Security Disability (SSD) for BPD is based on strict criteria.
BPD must be documented comprehensively to prove disability.
To obtain borderline personality disorder disability benefits, an assessment of eligibility is necessary.
