Can I Get Disability for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental health condition that can severely interfere with work and daily life. In 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) awarded monthly disability benefits and healthcare to more than 1 million workers, including those with depressive and bipolar disorders or other related conditions.

Since symptoms can vary in severity from person to person, ranging from mild to debilitating, each case is evaluated on an individual basis. If the impact of BPD disrupts the spectrum of someone’s daily life or ability to work at any level, they may be classed as eligible for support.

By understanding how the SSA defines and qualifies conditions, individuals can apply for the help and resources available to manage their condition effectively.

Can I Get Disability for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Yes, you may qualify for disability benefits for borderline personality disorder if your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working or managing daily tasks independently.

What is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD), also called emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), is a challenging personality disorder characterized by intense emotions that often feel overwhelming and can rapidly shift from one extreme to another.

This instability can affect nearly every aspect of life, including the ability to maintain stable relationships and a clear sense of self-identity.

The symptoms of BPD vary but may include impulsive behaviour, episodes of self-harm, and persistent suicidal ideation. Individuals often experience chronic feelings of boredom or dissatisfaction, coupled with a deep fear of abandonment.

It’s common for people with BPD to face additional mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse or addiction, which may occur concurrently with their primary diagnosis.

Common Types of Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) significantly impacts daily life, with four distinct types—discouraged borderline personality disorder, impulsive borderline personality disorder, petulant borderline, and self-destructive borderline—each shaping unique struggles.

For those with the discouraged type, fear of abandonment and dependency dominate, while the impulsive type brings reckless behaviors that disrupt stability.

The petulant borderline type often experiences irritability and dissatisfaction, straining relationships, whereas the self-destructive borderline type copes through harmful actions that can hinder basic tasks like showering in the dark.

These subtypes highlight how BPD’s varied nature can qualify for disability benefits by profoundly impairing an individual’s ability to manage work, relationships, and overall functionality.

Criteria for Getting Disability with Borderline Personality Disorder

To qualify for disability benefits for borderline personality disorder (BPD), the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires you to prove that your condition is persistent, ongoing, and prevents you from being able to hold a job. The SSA assesses your application based on detailed medical documentation and a pervasive pattern of the following traits or behaviors:

• Distrust and suspiciousness of others.
• Detachment from social relationships.
• Instability in interpersonal relationships.
• Impulsive or aggressive behavioral outbursts.
• Excessive emotionality or attention seeking.
• Feelings of inadequacy or a constant need to be taken care of.
• Preoccupation with perfectionism and orderliness.

Proving these traits through medical records and professional evaluations is essential to meet the SSA’s requirements and qualify for support.

To qualify under section B, the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires proof of the following:

• A severe limitation in at least one area, or a significant limitation in two or more areas, such as:
• Understanding, remembering, or applying information.
• Interacting with others.
• Concentrating, persisting in an activity, or maintaining a consistent work pace.
• Adapting or managing yourself.

The SSA defines an inability to function as being unable to act independently, appropriately, effectively, or on a sustained basis, while marked limitations indicate functioning at a reduced or inconsistent capacity, even if some tasks can still be done independently.

My Borderline Personality Disorder Meets the Criteria. Now What?

Living with borderline personality disorder can be challenging, especially when your condition affects your ability to manage emotions, control behaviors, or complete daily tasks independently.

If your doctor has diagnosed you and your symptoms haven’t improved despite treatment, applying for Social Security disability benefits might be the right step. While the application can be long and daunting, there’s no penalty for trying as long as you remain truthful about your situation.

If your borderline personality disorder is currently manageable and doesn’t interfere with your ability to work, or if your doctor believes your symptoms may improve within a year, you might consider waiting.

However, if you’re unsure, it’s always better to apply early, even if you’re not certain you’ll qualify. Taking action now ensures that you don’t miss the opportunity to secure support when you need it most, even if the process feels overwhelming or leaves you worried about the outcome.

What Support Is Available for Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder?

Treatment Options for Borderline Personality Disorder

Living with borderline personality disorder can feel incredibly challenging, but there are treatment options and support services designed to make managing this condition more achievable.

Mental health specialists often recommend individual psychotherapy or group psychotherapy to help individuals overcome the unique symptoms and challenges associated with BPD. A thorough diagnosis and a structured treatment plan are critical steps in addressing the disorder.

Support in the Workplace

For those in the workplace, employers are obligated by law to provide reasonable adjustments, such as flexible working arrangements or time off work for medical appointments, ensuring equal opportunities for employees with disabilities to perform their job with the best of their ability.

While individuals are not legally required to disclose their condition to an employer, doing so can make it easier to request the adjustments they might require to succeed in their role.

Support in Education

In educational settings, students with BPD are often entitled to similar reasonable adjustments to prevent disadvantages compared to their peers. This could include extensions on deadlines, an exam prompter, or time off for medical appointments, allowing them to navigate academic demands while managing their condition.

With the right combination of support, individuals with BPD can focus on improving their quality of life and achieving their goals despite the challenges the disorder may present.

FAQ’s

Q: Can a person with BPD ever be normal?

A BPD diagnosis doesn’t mean someone will live with symptoms forever. With treatment, the condition can ebb and flow, helping many people achieve high-functioning lives.

Q: Do people with BPD get better?

Although there’s no cure for BPD, it is highly treatable with the right adaptive strategies. Managing symptoms effectively and avoiding maladaptive behaviors can significantly improve quality of life.

Q: What happens if borderline personality disorder is left untreated?

When BPD is left untreated, it can lead to chaotic and unstable personal relationships, trouble keeping a job, and an increased risk of divorce or estrangement from family members. About 8% to 10% of people with BPD may die by suicide, while many face rocky friendships, legal and financial problems, and ongoing emotional struggles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition that significantly impacts individuals’ lives, relationships, and ability to function in daily tasks.

While it presents unique challenges, including the potential need for disability support, BPD is also highly treatable with appropriate strategies, therapy, and accommodations. For those whose symptoms severely interfere with their ability to work or maintain stability, seeking Social Security disability benefits can provide essential financial support and resources.

By understanding the criteria for qualification and accessing available treatments and workplace or educational adjustments, individuals with BPD can take meaningful steps toward improving their quality of life and achieving their personal and professional goals.

Dr Afifa Nukhat