Social Security Disability Mental Testing

People who file for social security disability (SSD) or SSI benefits on the basis of a mental impairment may be required to attend a social security medical exam, or consultative examination (CE).

Social security requires consultative exams for both physical and mental conditions, usually when there is not enough medical information available for the disability examiner to make a decision on the claim. This is particularly true in the case of mental consultative exams, because so often those with mental conditions have had little or no past medical treatment for their condition. If you have never been treated for your mental impairment, or have not been recently treated (within the past three months) you will probably be scheduled for a mental CE.

Mental CEs are given by either psychiatrists or psychologists, depending on the type of examination scheduled: a psychiatric examination, psychological exam/IQ test. These mental health professionals are not employees of the social security administration, which helps to eliminate the possibility of any bias on their part; however, do not attempt to purposely score poorly on your mental examination, as this is something that is easy for just about any qualified mental health professional to pick up on.

You should always give your best effort in any sort of mental testing, and this means answering all questions to the best of your ability, and under no circumstances giving answers that you know to be incorrect. If the psychiatrist or psychologist performing the test suspects that you are not giving your best effort, you may have to take the test again, and of course your character and your claim will appear questionable to the disability examiner or judge in charge of deciding if you should receive benefits.

In a worst-case scenario, your case may be denied if DDS (disability determination services, the state agency that makes all disability decisions for the social security administration) feels that you are obstructing the disability determination process by refusing to fully cooperate during your CE.

Cooperation also includes showing up for the exam on time and on the date scheduled. If you miss the exam you could potentially be denied for disability benefits based on failure to cooperate (though, typically, at least one missed exam, and sometimes two missed exams, will be rescheduled). This is true even if you are not filing for disability based on a mental condition, but have been asked to attend a CE because your medical records list symptoms such as depression, memory loss, or panic attacks, etc.

Bottom line: If you are scheduled for a mental consultative exam, show up and do your level best—anything less than that will seriously jeopardize your chance of being approved for disability benefits.


For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center

Can Private Investments Save Social Security?

Everyone is talking about it. By 2019 it is expected that payroll taxes won’t be enough to keep Social Security payouts alive. The program could be out of money as early as 2041. It is quite evident that solutions are needed.

Social Security was established in 1935 by President Franklin Roosevelt. His intention was to provide disability benefits and retirement to the nation’s people. The program worked for a while and it is now estimated that 2 out of 3 retirees rely on the benefit program as their main source of income.

Now that the life expectancy is increasing, people are worried. Though life expectancy certainly isn’t the biggest issue, in fact, that is just the icing on the cake compared to the government borrowing that has really led to the issue.

The stats make it obvious that changes to the program are needed. When the program started there were 40 workers to every beneficiary. Now, there are only 3 workers to each retirement beneficiary. That number is only decreasing.

Some think that a market-based investment approach is the answer: allowing taxpayers to invest some of their contributions to Social Security. Perhaps it could help the situation, though it is a tough sell, especially after the $700 billion Wall Street bailout. The solution was first put on the table by President Bush in 2005.

John McCain is in favor of the idea, along with most republicans. They think it could allow people to make more through investments than they could with Social Security alone. Though most in favor of the idea still say they would not support changes unless they a guarantee for benefits is provided.

Barack Obama, along with most democrats, is a critic of the idea. Most critics stand their ground: this would expose retirees to market risk. As is very evident, market risk is high. It would also lessen the amount available to current retirees. With this solution, retirement funds would be a gamble, not a security.

While some are for private investing of Social Security, some are opposed. Both sides have valid views and ideas, but only time will tell whether Social Security will be solvent enough for future retirement beneficiaries and disabled persons.




For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center

Social Security Disability Issues and Representation

People who file for social security disability or supplemental security income (SSI) benefits and have been turned down by their state disability determination services (DDS) agency (disability examiners at DDS make the actual decisions for the social security administration) should obtain legal representation as soon as possible. Why? Because, if your initial claim is turned down, your appeal (this first appeal is called request for reconsideration) is likely to be unsuccessful as well. Unfortunately, reconsideration appeals are also decided by DDS, and a staggering 85% of them are denied.

If your request for reconsideration is denied, your smartest move is definitely not to give up, but to file a second appeal to have your case heard before a federal administrative law judge (ALJ). Studies have shown that ALJs are much more likely to approve disability claims than disability examiners, especially when claimants have legal representation. In fact, some statistics show that claimants who have legal representation are about twice as likely to win benefits as those who choose to represent themselves.

Why would any claimant choose to represent themselves before a federal judge? Perhaps because many do not want to pay for legal services, but this is not a valid reason to put the outcome of your disability claim in jeopardy. In disability cases, lawyers are paid only if they win the case, and there is no upfront money involved. Also, the fee that disability lawyers can charge is capped at 25% of the claimant’s total backpay, up to a maximum of $5300. This is far less than attorney fees for other types of cases.

Other individuals who represent themselves may think that their appearance will be a simple matter of going before the judge and telling their story. However, disability hearings require far more proof than a verbal recitation of your medical condition and symptoms. In order to persuade an ALJ, you must disprove the disability examiner’s claim that you are able to do your past job or other work by arguing that your skills, age, education, or other limitations prevent you from doing so.

This requires a firm grasp of the Medical Vocational Grid. A good disability attorney will review everything in your medical records and work history to find evidence that the disability examiner erred in his or her decision, and help persuade a judge that in actuality you do not fall anywhere on that grid. Most claimants have no idea what is in their disability file or the precise reasoning behind their denial, and even if they read over the information they will not have the legal background necessary to form a sound legal argument based on what they learn.

A disability attorney can also review your files to see if there are any additional medical tests or statements that could strengthen your case, or that could help you meet a blue book listing (the book of impairments that SSA uses to classify disabilities). If it is a child that is under consideration, there may be certain psychological reports or tests, even statements from teachers, needed to refute a denial. The average claimant may not even be aware of these options or know how to obtain them.



For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center

War Battle: Social Security Benefits

One would think that the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration were linked. They are both federal programs and they are both in place to help disabled war veterans take care of themselves and their families. Both need a judgment that states a veteran is disabled, but what happens if one says you are disabled and one says you are not? What do you do then?

Unfortunately, this is a question and challenge that many veterans face and the answer is clear: you fight and battle the system, after fighting and battling for your country.

Proving you are disabled is no easy task. In fact, it is a known challenge that can, and most often does, take years. Most all who file are denied at least twice. Appeals follow the process and proving the inability to work is near impossible. It’s bad enough that the process is so complicated, but many veterans are finding out that not only is it complicated; it needs to be done twice.

There are no promises that veterans will be granted Social Security benefits, even if the Department of Veterans Affairs has rated them 100 percent disabled. This comes as a surprise to many vets who assume that they are covered by Social Security disability insurance if they are disabled. They are surprised to find out that even if they have proved they are unable to work through the VA, Social Security can, and does, say no.

This most often happens to veterans who are facing severe post-traumatic stress syndrome or other mental disabilities that make it impossible for them function and work. The VA says ‘you are disabled’ but Social Security says ‘no you are not’. So they end up fighting for their benefits twice, and many times do not win the battle. In addition, unless a veteran has been on active duty since Oct. 2001, they may have to wait additional time: only claims by those on active duty since Oct. 2001 are expedited.

Both federal agencies look at medical documentation, mental limitations, physical impairments and the ability to work jobs to make their assessment, yet the outcome of this documentation may be different in each case. It seems the agencies have separate procedures, bureaucratic cultures and rules.

Fortunately, Congress is taking notice. Over 100 Congressional members are backing bills that would require Social Security to accept the rulings given by Veterans Affairs. This would make the overall process much easier, quicker, and would make more sense.






For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center

Qualification for Social Security Disability

There are two separate disability programs from which you can draw disability benefits: The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program, and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

Both programs are meant to provide a source of income to those who are unable to work due to their disability, and both are administered by the federal social security administration (SSA). However, the qualifications that an applicant must meet before being approved for disability under each program are different.

SSDI is really a form of disability insurance, and is covered by title II of the Social Security Act. It is meant to function much as any private insurance coverage would, in that you pay a certain “premium” (in this case it’s automatically taken out of your pay check FICA taxes) to collect a certain benefit (disability benefits) should you need it.

However, SSDI doesn’t fully cover everyone that works or has worked in the past; only those who have worked enough in the last 10 years. If you are 31 or older, in order to qualify for full SSDI coverage, you have to have earned at least $21,000 over the last 10 years; and a total of $42,000 since you began working.

Of course, nothing in government can be easy, so it’s important to note that the SSA doesn’t calculate earnings in dollars, but rather in work credits. As of 2008, you get 1 work credit for every $1,050 you earn in three consecutive months, so the amount the SSA credits you can receive each year is capped at 4 ($4,000) work credits per year. The dollar amount associated with 1 work credit is recalculated by SSA each year for inflation. If you have not earned this amount, you will not qualify for full disability coverage under the SSDI program, but may be eligible for supplemental security income (SSI) benefits.

SSI is provided for under title XVI of the Social Security Act, and this disability program is for disabled individuals who have not worked enough to qualify for SSDI and who can demonstrate financial need. To qualify for SSI you do not have to have earned any work credits, but you do have to prove that your total assets do not exceed $2,000 ($3,000 if you are married) with the exception of one car and your home. In some cases social security will allow you to collect SSI for a few months while you try to sell some of your excess assets, such as an extra car or other property that is in your name (other than your residence).

It is possible to be approved for both SSDI and SSI. SSDI payments are based on the amount you have earned, so those who have worked a short time or with a history of lower incomes may be eligible for only a small SSDI benefit, and, if there is an economic need, may collect SSI benefits as well.

Both SSD and SSI programs award benefits only to those who are unable to participate in SGA (substantial gainful activity) due to a severe medical impairment, be it physical or mental. The current SGA amount is $940 per month for non-blind individuals, so if you are able to earn more than that you will not qualify for any type of disability benefits. In addition, both SSD and SSI require that your medical condition is not expected to improve with medical treatment over a period of not less than one year.



For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center

Could Inflation Be a Good Thing for Seniors?

Most people wouldn’t say that inflation is a good thing, no matter what the circumstances. While we are all feeling the effects of inflation, it may actually prove to be a good thing for the country’s seniors.

Every year the Social Security Administration reevaluates and adjusts Social Security benefits based on the average inflation rate for the third quarter of the current year, compared with the previous year. That means the new rate of benefits will be dependent upon inflation during July, August and September. Last year it was only a slight rise of 2.3 percent, which ends up being about $25 per month or around $300 per year. This year the amount is expected be much higher.

This expected rise in benefits still doesn’t help our seniors now, when inflation is soaring. Many seniors (and people of all ages and incomes) are having a very hard time making their dollars stretch enough to take care of basic living needs. Seniors will need to hold on and make it work until October of this year, when the new rate is calculated.

How much higher is inflation this year? While the rate for the current month is unknown, we do know that the rate was 4.5 percent in May. Compared with the 2.3 percent raise in benefits last year, it appears that this year will be much higher.

So, inflation could be a good thing for the next three months. Let’s hope our seniors get enough to help them survive the inflation of next year.

Note: for 2009, social security benefits will be raised by 5.8 percent, based on inflation as indicated by the consumer price index.



For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center

Be prepared for lower benefits and higher taxes?

Have you been following the rumored demise of Medicare and Social Security? Sure, there are reform plans in the works, but there are still huge government deficits and no one seems to be quite sure how we, as a nation, are going to bounce back and fix our government programs. When politicians are talking about numbers in the trillions, it’s just too much to imagine. On top of that, what is happening to the stock market, and how is your portfolio going to handle the future? Can you even count on Medicare and Social Security to be in your future?

While numbers in the trillions are being thrown around, one thing seems for certain: Lower benefits and higher taxes seem to be the only way to fix the trouble we are in. While no one wants to see either, everyone wants to keep their benefits and prosper in the future. Unfortunately, this seems like the price we have to pay.

Believe it or not, Social Security was only created in 1935, during the Great Depression. Since then, it has been a significant source of income for those hitting the retirement age. Unfortunately, it is a system that is ‘pay as you go’, which means what you are paying right now out of your paycheck is going to today’s retirees. It is being spent and the workers of the future are expected to pay your benefits if you are expecting them 20 or 30 years down the road.

As it stands, there is a small surplus being brought in today as a trust fund, but that is expected to change around 2017, when the amount of benefits being given, will surpass the amount of profit that is able to go to the trust fund of the future. There are way too many boomers on their way to retirement and even though we have a trust today, that is expected to be gone by around 2040.

It may seem like that is a long time away, but it is arriving in only 32 years. If you are a boomer, there is no need to worry. Boomers will have benefits, but will the future generations have benefits? No one can say for sure. They probably will not have Medicare, unless some huge changes take place.

There seems to be a few solutions: increases in retirement ages, a slow reduction in benefits, and a slow increase on taxes for everyone.

Be prepared for all of the above.





For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center

How To Get SSDI Approved

How to get SSDI, or social security disability insurance benefits, approved. There are really two different paths to being approved for disability benefits, and although neither one is better than the other, there are differences in the type of evidence that must be supplied before approval may be granted.

The first path to winning benefits is really the more direct and simplest of the two, and that is to prove, through physician diagnosis and documentation of treatment, that you have a medical condition listed in the social security administration (SSA) handbook titled, “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security,” also commonly known as the “blue book.”

The blue book lists impairments that the SSA recognizes as disabilities, as well as all of the criteria that an applicant must meet before the SSA will acknowledge that he or she suffers from a specific impairment, or listing. There are some conditions, such as blindness, traumatic brain injury, paralysis, and schizophrenia, to name a few, that are so obviously disabling in nature that the SSA will automatically award benefits to an applicant if they can document that they suffer from the condition.

However, it is not easy to meet a listing in the blue book, and if your medical symptoms match some, and not all of the criteria for a listing, you will not qualify for disability in this way. In addition, there are so many common medical conditions that are not listed, such as fibromyalgia, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc., that the majority of disability applicants have to apply for disability based, not on their specific impairment or medical diagnosis, but on how their impairment prevents them from being able to earn a living.

Therefore, most disability applicants will follow the second path to winning disability benefits, and that is to prove, again through solid medical documentation, that they qualify for a medical vocational, or Med-Voc allowance. Disability approval based on the Med-Voc allowance is a bit more involved than approval based on a blue book listing. A Med-Voc allowance is awarded to those with impairments that prevent them from working, not only at their own job but at any other job to which they may be suited. When it comes to a Med-Voc approval, it is critical to supply a detailed work history (names of past supervisors, specific duties, and up-to-date contact information, please), as well as a residual functional capacity (RFC) form to your claims rep.

The work history will be used by the state disability examiner evaluating your claim to determine what types of jobs you might be able to do despite your impairment. The RFC is a statement from your physician detailing exactly what types of tasks, physical and mental, that you can perform despite your impairment. As you can probably figure out here, the Med-Voc allowance is all about proving that, because of your medical condition, you are unable to earn enough to make it without disability benefits.

While it is can be easier to be approved for disability benefits if you meet a listing, it is important to keep in mind that most individuals are awarded social security disability benefits based on a medical vocational allowance. If you do not qualify for a listing, do not get discouraged, but do be ready for a bit closer scrutiny when it comes to your work history and medical records and what they have to say about your ability to earn a living.




For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center

Doing the SSDI Appeal Online

If your initial application for social security disability insurance (SSDI) has been denied, your best option is, in just about every case, to file an appeal with your state disability determination services (DDS) agency. This first appeal is commonly known as a request for review or reconsideration, or a reconsideration appeal.

Nationwide, a staggering 85% of these first appeals are denied, due at least in part to the fact that the same agency (DDS) that denied the initial application is in charge of deciding the appeal—unless you have something new to add to the medical record, you’re unlikely to get a better result the second time around.

Still, it makes more sense to file a reconsideration appeal with DDS than it does to file a brand new claim with disability (unless your initial claim was denied on a technicality; i.e., you made too much money at the time). Even if most SSDI appeals are unsuccessful, they are very important because they allow a claimant to move on to the second level of appeal: a hearing before an administrative law judge, who is twice as likely as a DDS disability examiner to approve a disability application.

Today disability applicants have the option of filling out their reconsideration appeal paperwork online, and this option is convenient to both the applicant and the social security administration. Appeals filed online are recorded immediately, and there is less chance of missing the 60-day deadline (all appeals must be filed within 60 days of receiving notice of denial or you will have no choice but to start over with a new claim). Filing online also saves the claimant the time and inconvenience (and gas money) involved in scheduling and attending an in-person meeting at the local SSA office.

Social Security encourages applicants to make use of the online filing process, because it allows their reps to spend more time processing claims and less time in one-on-one meetings with disability applicants. This is a major factor of consideration for the SSA, since there is a huge backlog of disability cases waiting to be processed in just about every state, and congressional budget cuts have actually decreased the number of social security workers available to process claims.

Of course, if something seems too good to be true….Alas, while the online filing process is more convenient, filing an appeal online is probably not in the best interests of most applicants, with the exception of those who have retained legal counsel.

Why? Because only an in-person interview will give you the opportunity to sit across from a social security field office worker and talk about your case, addressing any and all issues necessary, such as: “How long will it take to receive a decision on my appeal? Is there anything I can do to help speed the process along? Is my paperwork filled out correctly? Do you have all of the information needed to make a decision?” etc., or to ask any other questions for which you need answers. Filing an appeal online is one shortcut that, unfortunately, could ultimately delay a decision in your disability case.



For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center

To Apply for Disability with Depression

In every disability case, the decision to grant or to deny benefits is based on one thing: the information contained in your medical records. Your medical records are the foundation of every disability decision; regardless of if you are applying on the basis of a physical condition or a mental condition; regardless of if your benefits will be paid out of the social security disability (SSD) or supplemental security income (SSI) program.

Medical documentation may be especially important to those who are filing for disability benefits due to depression. Too often claimants believe that a prescription from their family doctor for antidepressants is all that they need to establish that they are suffering from debilitating depression, but this is absolutely not the case.

If you are suffering from depression to the point where it is affecting your ability to perform your work duties, or to hold a job for that matter, then you should file for social security disability benefits. However, you should first make an appointment with a qualified psychiatrist, who can confirm that A) you suffer from depression, and B) your symptoms are severe enough to prevent you from working at any job, and C) your symptoms are likely to continue, regardless of treatment, for a period of not less than 12 months. Without an opinion supporting these facts from a qualified mental health physician, you are highly unlikely to be approved for SSD or SSI.

It can be difficult for those with a history of depression to seek psychiatric treatment. Many do not wish to be labeled mentally ill, and yet without that label, they will have no chance of getting disability benefits. Also, as well-meaning as your family physician may be, he or she is not considered to be an expert on mental health issues, at least not by the social security administration. Only an MD in Psychiatry (not a psychologist) will be able to render an opinion as to your mental symptoms, how they affect your ability to perform work, and how they may or may not be helped by prescription medication, which will carry enough weight with a disability examiner to strongly influence his or her decision.

Even if depression is only a contributing factor to your disability, you must see a psychiatrist if you want to have this allegation play any real part in the disability examiner’s decision-making process. If you do not have health insurance, there are some psychiatric facilities that treat patients for free or on a sliding-scale (you pay what you can afford) basis. You can call your local office of social services (the number is available from your county health department) for a listing of such facilities.

Do not hesitate to seek help if you feel that your depression is having a negative impact on your work performance. Not only is it in your best interest emotionally, but it is also in your best interest financially—you will need to supply a written opinion supporting your claim of debilitating depression, from a qualified psychiatrist, to the disability examiner assigned to your disability case.



For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center

The Frustration of Fibromyalgia

Do you know about the debilitating disease, fibromyalgia? Unfortunately, many are unaware of the disease, and even more unfortunately, not all doctors know about or even believe in the disease. Fibromyalgia affects an estimated 3 to 6 percent of Americans, according to the National Fibromyalgia Association, and although men and children can suffer from the disease it primarily affects women.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome with no cure. Those afflicted by the disease experience a range of symptoms, from physical exhaustion, brain fog and insomnia, to depression and widespread muscle pain. Many go from one doctor to another, trying to get a diagnosis and figure out what is ailing them. Because the disease is so misunderstood, many are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, lyme disease, depression, hypothyroidism and a host of other misdiagnoses. Sufferers of fibromyalgia may go years before getting a diagnosis, if ever.

Fibromyalgia is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes those with the disease to experience pain much differently than most people. In fact, many with fibromyalgia experience pain to such a degree that they cannot bear to have clothes touching their skin or even be able to sleep with light sheets. The pain affects all other areas of their lives. Insomnia is a huge symptom of the disease and is the main cause of the terrible exhaustion that follows, day in and day out.

The number of people diagnosed with fibromyalgia has increased in recent years, leaving doctors baffled at the cause and unable to treat the disease in any other way than simple symptom treatments: pain medication for pain, sleep aids for insomnia, and antidepressants for the mental anguish caused by symptoms of the disease.

There is no consensus to the cause or the origin of the disease and treatment is hit or miss. Currently, those with disease usually take a host of various medications to try and combat the pain, exhaustion and other symptoms that leave them unable to enjoy life fully.

There are many studies being done to help identify causes and treatments for fibromyalgia. Currently, is thought that stress, lack of sleep and trauma trigger the disease.

If you are tired, plagued with pain and not feeling clear, it might be worth a trip to a rheumatologist to ask about fibromyalgia.



For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center


Social Security Disability Topics

How does Social Security view your work and medical records
How to qualify for disability
Social Security Disability Children Benefits
Vocational expert at a disability hearing - what is this
who is eligible for SSI
If you get denied for disability do you have to file a new application ?

Suicide and Oregon Soldiers

The suicide rate of Oregon soldiers is staggering; it is much more common for soldiers to die from suicide than in combat. Not only is there a high rate for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, but veterans of all ages rank high in suicide rates. In 2005 alone, only 19 Oregon soldiers died in combat, but 153 Oregon veterans from various wars committed suicide. Unfortunately, physicians, therapists and veterans are not surprised at all.

The statistics show that nearly one in three suicides in Oregon is a veteran, and the rate of suicide for Oregon male veterans is more than double that of male non-veterans suicides, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services Center for Health Statistics. They report than 22 out of 100,000 non-veteran males commit suicide each year, but 46 out of 100,000 Oregon veterans commit suicide.

The numbers speak for themselves: In 2005 alone, twenty-one Oregon veterans under the age of 45 committed suicide. Unfortunately, these numbers are only for Oregon and do not even begin to represent the severity of combat trauma and veteran suicide rates nationally. It is estimated that out of the veterans under Veteran Affairs treatment, 12,000 attempt suicides yearly, while nearly 6,000 succeed.

On a more updated note, in July 2008 it was reported by Veterans Affairs that 250 calls a day came in to their suicide hotline, and since July 2007 there have been more than 22,000 calls to the hotline. From Oregon alone there have been more 860 calls to the VA suicide hotline. It appears that there is a suicide epidemic.

To address and better understand this issue, the Rand Corporation, a non-profit research organization, did a study on post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, in relation to veterans. Many believe that PTSD is a predecessor to suicide in veterans and soldiers, and many doctors have seen a huge increase in the number of veterans with the disorder. The study found that while there were over 300,000 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or depression (one in five veterans), only half of those actually sought help for their medical conditions and due to this number, only one in four received care. The study found that the major risks for developing PTSD were long deployment times, combat trauma and the death of a friend killed in action. Nearly half of those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan had a friend die in combat.

Unfortunately, even though many who join the reserve and National Guard think they will not end up in combat, many do – and they seem to be at a higher suicide rate than those who are in active-duty forces. In Oregon alone, nearly a third of those who have died in combat have been in the reserve or National Guard.

Currently, Veterans Affairs are unsure of how to help this epidemic and how to reduce these numbers.




For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center





Social Security Disability Topics


Supplemental Security Income - SSI Disability
If my medical condition keeps me from working will I get Social Security disability ?
How often does someone get disability approved in just a few months ?
Apply for Disability - Should I apply for social Security disability or SSI?
Getting a Disability Lawyer in Utah
Request for a Disability Hearing

ADHD Treatment Study

The most intensive study off Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to date is the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder study, also known as the MTA study. The study was 14 months long and included 579 school children aged 7 to 9 years. During the study the children were assigned four different treatments: medication management, intensive behavioral management, combined medication and behavioral management and standard community care.

The study was done by the National Institute of Mental Health and concluded that long-term combination of treatments (medications and behavioral management) and medication management alone, were the best and most effective treatments for ADHD. With the combined treatment of behavioral therapy and medication the children improved in parent-child relations, social skills, anxiety, and oppositionality.

It is thought that Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta were the most effective medications, all stimulants. Ritalin is the most popular medication for ADHD and does have common side effects such as insomnia, irritability, dry mouth, loss of appetite, headaches and stomach aches, among other side effects. Although these side effects are present, there has been no evidence that Ritalin causes dependence or drug abuse. Ritalin is the trade name for methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant .

However, the FDA reported that 19 children taking ADHD medications died of sudden causes between the years of 1999 and 2004. In addition, during those same years 26 children taking ADHD medications experienced cardiac arrests, strokes and heart palpitations. These cardiac events caused much concern for parents, although the American Heart Association released a statement that recommended an EKG (electrocardiogram) for children pre-medication, to detect certain heart conditions that increase the risk of cardiac events in children taking ADHD medications.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects somewhere between 4 and 12 percent of school-age children. ADHD is a brain disorder that has many symptoms ranging from disorganization, hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating and fidgeting, to acting impulsively, interrupting others and talking very fast. There are three different types: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. All three have different symptoms and the most common form of ADHD is a combination of inattentive/hyperactivity/impulsive disorder, which includes symptoms from all three different types.





For information on Social Security Disability, visit the

Social Security Disability Benefits Resource Center





Social Security Disability Topics

Filing for Social Security Disability — the steps to take
Filing for Disability - Can you speed up the Social Security Disability process?
Hearing for Disability
Social Security Disability Tips — how a claim gets worked on
Getting a Disability Lawyer in Indiana
If a reconsideration is denied for Social Security Disability or SSI