Recently we went into detail about a disorder in the DSM-5 called Other Specified Somatic Symptom & Related Disorder. The idea behind this disorder is that sometimes people suffer from specific somatic issues and unspecified somatic symptoms that just don’t fit into the exact definition of any of the known somatic disorders. Doctors know that you are suffering from a somatic issue because there are specific somatic symptoms, but they can’t put you into a premade box.
What’s the difference between that and Unspecified Somatic Symptoms & Related Disorders? Whereas in the previous condition the symptoms themselves were quite specific but just didn’t meet the definition of a particular somatic disorder, people suffering from this disorder aren’t even suffering from specific somatic symptoms.
However, they still have to deal with issues causing them “clinically significant distress” or functional impairment in occupational, social, or other matters that lower their quality of life and make it difficult to live normally.
How Can Someone Be Diagnosed with Something “Unspecified”?
For a free legal consultation, call 800-562-9830
That’s the big question here, and the answer is: they aren’t. Or at least it doesn’t happen a whole lot. The fact that this category exists tells you that the experts thought it was important enough to include, but even in the definition, there is a note saying that it shouldn’t be used except in special circumstances.
What kind of special circumstances? Generally speaking, people are not diagnosed with this disorder unless there’s just too little information for a physician to come up with a diagnosis that is more specific. Basically, this is a medically acceptable way of saying, “something’s wrong, but I don’t know enough to tell me what.”
Click to contact our disability lawyers today
How do you combat this if you are filing for disability? Provide as much medical information and evidence as you can. The more doctors have to go on, the easier it is for them to come up with a specific diagnosis – which makes it harder for your insurer to fight. It’s not always easy and this is why having an experienced long term disability insurance attorney on your side makes all the difference.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Download our free disability eBook to learn more about how long term disability insurance works, and then call our offices to talk to one of our qualified professionals about your specific situation.
Call or text 800-562-9830 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
