ELAWYER BLOG

Do You Suffer From Fibromyalgia? Consider Disability Benefits

Is fibromyalgia a disability? Fibromyalgia is an arthritis-related illness that affects many Americans of all ages in a variety of ways. The illness can cause individuals to suffer chronic pain in their muscles and joints. In some cases, fibromyalgia can cause one to suffer from fatigue and severe depression.

Although fibromyalgia disability is a serious illness that can cause an individual to become completely disabled, it is oftentimes difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, this also means that many individuals who suffer from the illness may discover that attempting to obtain Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for their disability is almost impossible.

Can you get benefits for fibromyalgia?

can you get benefits for fibromyalgia Yes! With the help of a Disability attorney, you can apply for disability fibromyalgia and you may be able to get the benefits that you need. Because fibromyalgia patients of all ages suffer from a variety of symptoms that may prevent them from being able to work or to take care of their families, many individuals rely on SSI and SSD benefits so that they can continue to provide for their families while also getting the treatment that they need in order to prevent their conditions from worsening.

Living with fibromyalgia may be especially difficult for teens. Teens suffering from the illness may be bothered and distracted by their chronic discomfort at school and at social gatherings, causing them to become depressed because they cannot enjoy the same activities as their peers. If their conditions do not improve as they get older, they may even discover that they are unable to work as a result of the debilitating illness.

Fortunately, the results of a new study suggest that teens who suffer from fibromyalgia may benefit from psychotherapy. Not only does the therapy help to prevent teens from suffering from depression, it may even improve one’s conditions.

Psychotherapy can help treat individuals with fibromyalgia

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that about 2 percent of the U.S. population suffers from fibromyalgia. The CDC has also reported that women are seven times more likely to suffer from the illness compared to men.

Earlier this week, we discussed how Kentucky residents may be eligible to obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they are disabled as a result of fibromyalgia. These benefits not only help individuals to continue to provide for their families while they are unable to work, but the benefits may also provide individuals with the income they need in order to seek treatment for their debilitating illness.

is fibromyalgia a disabilityBy getting proper treatment, individuals are able to better cope with their symptoms and they may even experience an improvement in their conditions.

As more Americans, including teens, suffer from fibromyalgia, researchers and medical professionals have been searching for new ways to better diagnose and treat the illness. A study recently published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism examines how psychotherapy may be particularly helpful when treating teens who suffer from fibromyalgia.

Psychotherapy helps individuals to find ways to turn their negative thinking patterns into positive thinking patterns. This then helps to prevent depression, which is a common symptom of fibromyalgia that oftentimes causes an individual to become even more disabled.

During the study, researchers analyzed the effects of psychotherapy sessions versus education classes about fibromyalgia. More than 100 teens between the ages of 11 and 18 who suffered from the illness participated in the study.

Researchers reported that the teens who participated in weekly talk-therapy sessions experienced a 37 percent improvement in their disabling conditions. Teens who participated in fibromyalgia education classes experienced a 12 percent improvement in their conditions.

Living with fibromyalgia is challenging, but many individuals hope that medical professionals and researchers will continue to find new ways to better diagnose and treat the illness so that they may one day be able to enjoy the activities they were once able to take part in.