Anorexia is an eating disorder and a mental health condition that can be straining on both a physical and an emotional level.
While eating disorders, including anorexia, are classified as mental health conditions, they are not typically considered disabilities. However, anorexia can cause disabling complications over time. For this reason, it may be complicated to determine whether anorexia is a disability.
For the same reason, it may be complicated to obtain disability benefits or insurance coverage if a person has anorexia, and each case requires individual review to assess whether the conditions can be classified as disability.
This article will explain if eating disorders and anorexia are classified as disabilities, where people can find support, and the laws in place in the United States and other countries around the world.
Anorexia is not a disability on its own but rather an eating disorder and a mental health condition. However, anorexia
Some people with anorexia may get disability benefits. However, they must undergo a physical and psychological evaluation with healthcare specialists to achieve this. The doctors will assess a person’s mental and physical health conditions and determine whether anorexia is impairing their ability to perform daily activities.
What is anorexia?
Anorexia, or anorexia nervosa, is a
People with this condition might use unhealthy eating habits to deal with stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Limiting food can help them feel like they have control of their lives.
Anorexia can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, size, or gender. However, it is more common in females and often starts in the teen years, but it can also start earlier or later in life. The median age for the onset of anorexia is
Doctors do not know what causes anorexia, but it often starts with regular dieting. Over time, it turns into extreme and unhealthy weight loss, using strict diets and tricks to avoid gaining weight.
There are two types of anorexia:
- Restricting type anorexia: An individual severely limits their food, especially foods high in carbs and fats.
- Binge-eating and purging type anorexia: A person eats too much food and then makes themself throw up or use laxatives.
People do not always agree on what a disability is. Doctors, insurance companies, and the public often have different opinions. This also happens with eating disorders. Currently, eating disorders are not considered disabilities under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Social Security Act (SSA). This means a person may not get disability insurance for an eating disorder.
Newer laws say eating disorders are mental health conditions and need the same treatment options as other mental health issues. However, the kind of treatment a person may get depends on their insurance provider, plan, medical assessment results, and location.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for anorexia, a person needs to show how it affects their work or daily life. Individuals must also prove that they are financially eligible for SSDI (based on work history) or SSI (based on income and assets).
To meet the criteria for listing 12.13 (Eating Disorders), people need medical proof that their eating disorder seriously affects their physical or mental health. Social Security looks for signs such as:
- inducing vomit
- misusing laxatives
- eating too few calories
- exercising too much
- experiencing mood changes, including withdrawal or unexplained irritability
- missing periods
- having dental problems
- having heart issues
The doctor’s notes and lab tests can show this. Social Security also needs proof of severe problems with mental functioning, shown in a person’s daily activities, such as issues with:
- understanding, remembering, or using information
- focusing, persisting, or keeping pace
- interacting with others
- self-management (like dressing, hygiene, paying bills, and cooking)
In the United Kingdom, people need to prove that their mental health problem is a disability to get protection under the Equality Act. “Disability” has a special legal meaning that is different from the common meaning. Other European countries also have similar legislation to protect individuals with disabilities and eating disorders.
The Equality Act says a person has a disability if a physical or mental problem seriously affects their ability to do everyday things. Even a minor problem counts, unless it is insignificant. If medication affects the ability to do everyday things, it could be considered a disability, even if it is not for a mental health problem.
The Equality Act might protect people from discrimination if their mental health problem fits the definition of disability, even if they do not think they have one. It is about how an individual’s mental health problem affects them, not the diagnosis.
To confirm their disability, people need to show it has the following features:
- It significantly affects everyday life.
- It makes things harder for them.
- It has lasted or will last at least 12 months, or it might come back.
If a person has anorexia and wants to apply for disability, they may consider contacting an attorney specializing in healthcare and eating disorders. They can help people file their requests and help gather all the information and evidence needed to support the disability claim.
Having loved ones involved helps people recover from anorexia. Involving loved ones helps them understand the disorder, its signs, and how to help. Group therapy is also really helpful for people with anorexia. They can share experiences with others who understand and get support in a safe place to talk.
Several charities and nonprofit organizations also offer support to people with anorexia, such as:
With the right help, people can recover from anorexia. Studies show that about 46% of people with this condition fully recover, and another 33% get much better.
Anorexia is a mental health condition and an eating disorder, but it is not directly considered a disability. However, if a person with anorexia presents certain symptoms that prevent them from working or performing daily activities, they may be able to receive disability benefits.