Proof of a mental disability includes a psychiatric diagnosis, clinical notes, treatment history, hospitalization records if you've been hospitalized, psychological testing and you must also prove functional limitation.
Proving mental disability and mental disorders for the SSA requires that you have objective medical and functional evidence, which limits a major life activity and prevents you from working.
Mental conditions are not visible in most cases like physical injuries, so the SSA or employers also rely on a documented and longitudinal history, instead of just a single diagnosis.
The official medical evidence that you need to prove a mental disability or mental illness include.
A formal diagnosis from a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical mental health counselor.
Detailed records from therapy sessions, psychiatric evaluations and medication management that shows the duration and severity of the condition.
Proof of consistent and ongoing treatment.
Just simply having a prescription is often not enough, records must show how you're responding to therapy and medication.
And if you've been hospitalized, you need discharge summaries or records of crisis interventions and emergency room visits that are tied to your mental health.
And results from standardized tests like IQ tests, memory tests or the MMPI that document cognitive or psychological limitations.
For the functional limitations to prove a mental disability, you must prove that the mental disability or mental illness impairs your ability to function in your daily life and in a work setting.
These functional limitation proofs include.
Residual functional capacity or RFC, which is an assessment from your doctor that details what you can do and what you cannot do, such as your ability to handle workplace stress, follow instructions or ability to concentrate.
Third party statements, which include statements from caseworkers, friends and or family members who can attest to your daily struggles, inability to care for yourself and or social withdrawal.
And your work history, which is documentation from any past employers or vocational rehabilitation counselors that regard your inability to maintain employment due to your mental health.