Histrionic Personality Disorder and Long-Term Disability Benefits in Canada

Living with Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) presents unique challenges that can significantly impact an individual’s ability to work and function on a daily basis. Our personalities inform our identities, and for people diagnosed with a personality disorder, that can shape how they act, feel, relate to others, and the decisions they make. These patterns of behaviour can make the person with the disorder upset, and they can also cause problems for the people in their lives, or disturbances in their work life.

Histrionic Personality Disorder specifically is a tendency to be highly emotional in social situations. In Canada, individuals diagnosed with HPD may be eligible for disability benefits to support them during periods of incapacity, whether that’s in the short-term (STD) or long-term (LTD). Understanding how HPD relates to LTD benefits is crucial for those navigating this complex process.

At Preszler Injury Lawyers, we recognize that histrionic personality disorder can significantly interfere with a person’s ability to maintain consistent employment. Our long-term disability lawyers offer compassionate, personalized legal support to help you apply for LTD benefits or appeal a denied claim. Book a free consultation with our team today to explore your options.

Understanding Histrionic Personality Disorder

Histrionic Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by a pattern of excessive attention-seeking, emotional overreaction, dramatic behaviour, and an intense need for approval and validation. According to Psychology Today, HPD affects roughly 2% of the population. People with HPD may exhibit rapidly shifting emotions, exaggerated displays of emotion, and engage in attention-seeking behaviors to maintain a sense of excitement or importance in their interactions.

Histrionic Personality Disorder and Long-Term Disability

For individuals with Histrionic Personality Disorder whose symptoms significantly impair their ability to work and engage in daily activities, LTD benefits can provide essential financial support. HPD can affect interpersonal relationships, emotional stability, and overall work performance, making it challenging to sustain employment without accommodations or assistance.

Many LTD insurance policies in Canada cover mental health conditions, including Histrionic Personality Disorder, under certain conditions. It’s crucial to review your policy documents or consult with a legal professional familiar with disability law to understand the specific coverage and eligibility criteria outlined in your policy. Your specific policy documents will set out the criteria that needs to be met in order for any mental illness related claim to be approved.

To support your claim for HPD-related disability benefits, you will typically need:

• Comprehensive medical documentation
• Psychiatric evaluations
• Treatment records
• Therapy reports
• Functional assessments
• And more

These documents should demonstrate how your HPD symptoms impair your ability to work and perform daily activities effectively. Gathering strong evidence to support your LTD claim for Histrionic Personality Disorder is crucial. Medical records documenting your diagnosis, treatment history, medication management, therapy sessions, functional limitations at work, and your current management plan, can strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of approval.

Can My Disability Benefits Be Denied?

Unfortunately, disability benefits for Histrionic Personality Disorder can be denied by insurance companies for various reasons, such as insufficient medical evidence, policy exclusions, changes in definition, or even administrative errors. If your claim is denied, it’s essential to understand your rights and options for appealing the decision.

Here are some of the reasons why your LTD claim may be denied:

Lack of Medical Evidence

One of the primary reasons for denying LTD benefits is a lack of sufficient medical evidence supporting the claimant’s disability. Insurance companies require comprehensive medical documentation to validate the severity of the claimant’s condition and its impact on their ability to work.

When you’re filing your claim, or making an appeal, ensure that all medical records, diagnostic tests, treatment history, and physician reports related to your disability are accurately documented and up to date. Obtain detailed statements from treating physicians, specialists, therapists, and other healthcare providers outlining the specific limitations and restrictions caused by your condition. Keep a thorough record of all medications prescribed, therapies undergone, and any functional assessments or evaluations conducted by medical professionals.

Surveillance

Insurance companies may conduct surveillance on claimants to gather evidence contradicting their disability claims. This surveillance can include video footage, social media monitoring, and investigator reports aimed at challenging the claimant’s reported limitations and activities.

Be cautious about sharing personal information and activities on social media platforms, as insurance companies may use this information to dispute your disability claim. “Invisible” mental health conditions such as HPD or any other personality disorders invite extra scrutiny from insurance providers. This experience can often feel invalidating of your struggle, but it’s important to not give insurance providers any cause to undermine your claim. Be sure to follow medical advice and restrictions prescribed by healthcare providers to avoid situations that could be misinterpreted during surveillance. Inform your legal representative immediately if you suspect or become aware of surveillance activities related to your disability claim.

“Independent” Medical Exams

Insurance companies often require claimants to undergo “independent” medical examinations (IMEs) conducted by healthcare professionals chosen and paid by the insurer. These exams may be used to challenge the claimant’s treating physician’s assessments and conclusions. Understand your rights and responsibilities regarding IMEs as outlined in your insurance policy and applicable laws. Prepare for IMEs by gathering and organizing relevant medical records, treatment history, and detailed descriptions of your symptoms, limitations, and functional impairments. Consider having a trusted medical professional or advocate accompany you during the IME to ensure fair and accurate assessment and documentation of your condition.

Missed Deadlines

Failing to meet deadlines for submitting required documentation, appeals, or other administrative tasks can lead to denial or termination of LTD benefits. Insurance policies have specific timelines and procedures that must be followed diligently.

To avoid missing important deadlines, keep track of all deadlines related to your disability claim, including filing initial applications, submitting medical evidence, responding to insurer requests, and appealing decisions. If you have difficulty communicating promptly, consider seeking out a legal representative who can liaise with insurance companies and healthcare providers on your behalf to ensure timely completion and submission of required documents and forms.

What to Do If My LTD Benefits Have Been Denied?

If your LTD benefits for Histrionic Personality Disorder have been denied, don’t lose hope. You have the right to appeal the decision through the insurer’s internal appeals process or seek legal assistance from an LTD disability lawyer. A legal professional versed in disability law can review your case, gather additional evidence if needed, and advocate on your behalf during the appeals process or potential litigation.

Contact Our LTD Lawyers About Your Claim Today

Navigating the complexities of LTD claims for Histrionic Personality Disorder can be challenging, especially when facing a denied claim or benefit termination. An experienced LTD disability lawyer can provide invaluable support by assessing the strength of your case, advising you on legal options, and representing your interests throughout the appeals or legal proceedings.

To speak with our long-term disability lawyers about your condition, contact Preszler Injury Lawyers today. To book a free consultation, you can contact us online or call 1-800-JUSTICE® now.