I haven't heard of getting social security disability for having ADHD although perhaps with the bipolar diagnosis it may be possible. Are you taking medication for both conditions? I know two individuals who have ADD, Bipolar and some other issues as well, who are taking medication for their conditions and are able to work and function quite well. The woman I know fairly well and she is working in a job she loves and no one would suspect she has so many psychological disorders (she has 4 or 5 but they are all being treated).

If you are taking medication and still not functioning very well, there is a possibility that something else is going on. Not many doctors are experienced in handling multiple diagnoses of a psychological nature and sometimes other conditions can be masked by other comorbidities.

I recently found out that I have ADD. In a sense, I am surprised because I never thought I had it. My husband and children have it and I have read numerous books on the subject yet it never occurred to me that I might have it. I realized several of the reasons it remained hidden for so long. My use of structure, scheduling and lists helped to overcome some of the deficiencies along with my intelligence that enabled me to get by without having to study as much. I also had a lot of anxiety that kept me so worried that I would mess up, so I would do whatever it took to do well and not be embarrassed. Now that my anxiety is being treated with medication, some of the ADD symptoms are beginning to surface. A lot of things in my life are beginning to make more sense to me in light of this new revelation. As weird as it sounds to say it, having the anxiety compensated for some of the ADD symptoms. I have the inattentive type, which is not as easily recognized as the hyperactive type.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help regarding applying for social security disability.

Elaine

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Good question. I'm not sure about qualifying for Social Security benefits, but I did find this interesting related article about qualifying for a disability at work if you have Adult ADD: http://www.additudemag.com/q&a/ask_the_adult_add_expert/1803.html

Hope that helps!

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i think you should totally go for it. ADD is not on the 'adult list' for ssdi but that just means more work for you and the person making you decision. The fact that ADD is not on the adult list is really frustating because personally it affects me on such a bigger scale now that I need to support myself! Anyway, I applied and of course was denied over something that I am sure I could appeal and win but when I called a large advocay firm about helping me with my appeal they said because I am currently getting vocational rehab for my disability (ADD) through the state i live they would deny me on that basis! How stupid! I am planning to refile soon though. Anyway, you should get a lawyer in the beginning and file. For some people medicine helps enough and workplace accomodations can be a blessing too. However, for someone like me with very severe ADD it is just not enough (and believe me I have been down every road) and I feel like that is what SSDI is there for. If you have success in finding an advocate and/or attorney with experience in adult ADD be sure to spread the word.

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Bipolar disorder is on the ssdi 'adult list' and my friend gets ssdi for that very reason! She went through a company called Allsup and got approved one the first time which is a true rareity. Anyway, best of luck!

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