Bipolar & Mood Disorder Lawyers in Ontario

According to CAMH, bipolar disorder is a medical condition where a person cycles through different elevated and extreme moods and depression. There are typically three stages:

• Mania, or a high state
• Depression, or a low state
• Well, where the person feels normal and can function well

During the mania stage, some of the symptoms include:

• Inflated self-esteem or feeling of grandeur
• Being more talkative
• Easily distracted
• Less of a need to sleep
• Racing thoughts
• Having poor judgement and/or participating in risky behaviour
• Excessive energy

Some of the symptoms in the depression state include:

• Feeling depressed
• Loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyed
• Weight loss or gain
• Being agitated
• Difficulty sleeping
• Trouble with concentration
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Suicidal thoughts

Yes. All insurance companies in Ontario recognize bipolar and mood disorders as a disability. However, you need more than just a diagnosis to qualify for short-term and/or long-term benefits.

Bipolar and mood disorders are invisible disabilities, so they are harder to prove. Because if this, claims are often denied. Here are a few reasons why you bipolar and mood disorder claim may have been denied:

• Insufficient medical evidence
• No treatment or inappropriate treatment
• No change on your condition to prove the inability to work

The most important thing to do is to seek help from a lawyer. A lawyer will help you to reverse your insurance companies decision on denying you your STD and/or LTD claim. There are also steps that you must take to help you with your claim.

Medical Diagnosis

Bipolar and mood disorders are hard to diagnose. As well, many people are diagnosed with depression rather than bipolar. Therefore, it’s important to have medical documents stating that you do in fact have bipolar or a mood disorder, which was diagnosed by a health care professional that specializes in the field.

DSM-5 Diagnosis

The American Psychiatric Association has put out the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that lists the criteria for a bipolar diagnosis. Having a medical professional confirm your diagnosis through this manual will help your case further.

Treatment

No two people are alike, nor is the treatment plan. However, the main treatment for bipolar and mood disorders is psychotherapy and medication. There are three main types of medications:

• Mood stabilizers
• Antidepressants
• Antipsychotics

You must show that you are receiving treatment, will continue to receive treatment and have plans to continue with treatment in the future.