In today’s world, it’s essential to understand various disabilities because they can significantly impact a person’s life. Knowing about them and their effects is vital for fostering inclusivity and offering support. Here is an informative guide to the top 10 disabilities.
1. Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue Disorders
The musculoskeletal system is essential for maintaining mobility. It includes bones, ligaments, cartilage, and other connective tissues. Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and spinal disorders can make it challenging to work.
A National Health Interview Survey found that approximately 126.6 million people are affected.
Common symptoms experienced include:
- Joint and muscle stiffness
- Joint swelling
- Limited range of motion
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Tenderness to affected areas
- Numbness and tingling
- Difficulty sleeping
Musculoskeletal conditions can stop the enjoyment of activities. They can also prevent people from engaging in the workplace.
2. Mood Disorders
Mood disorders encompass different conditions. They include bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and seasonal affective disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) determined that over 21% of adults experience a mood disorder at one time in their lives.
Everyone experiences their symptoms differently; however, common ones include:
- Persistent sadness
- Extreme mood swings
- Loss of interest
- Fatigue
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Appetite changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- Suicidal thoughts
These disorders can severely affect an individual’s social and work life. Recognizing the impact of mood disorders is crucial in understanding disability claims.
3. Nervous System and Sense Organs Disorders
The nervous system is vital for communication and decision-making. Disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and brain injuries fall under this category. Understanding the complexities of these conditions is essential when dealing with disability claims. The NIH determined that approximately 100 million people are affected.
Common symptoms include but are not limited to:
- Seizures
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness and tingling
- Coordination problems
- Vision problems
- Speech difficulties
- Memory impairment
- Chronic pain
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Involuntary movements
Many of these disorders can be hereditary. However, some may be due to accidents resulting in catastrophic injuries.
4. Circulatory System Disorders
The circulatory system distributes nutrients and oxygen. It can be affected by conditions like heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and high blood pressure. These disorders disrupt the body’s normal functions, making it challenging to maintain employment.
The NIH estimates that 16.3 million Americans aged twenty and older have been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease.
Common symptoms of circulatory system disorders are:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and fainting
- Cold extremities
- Cognitive impairment
These symptoms can be severe. It is common to experience multiple at a time.
5. Schizophrenic and Other Spectrum Disorders
Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized behavior. These symptoms can hinder social interactions and the ability to perform regular work tasks. Non-profit RTI determined that approximately 3.7 million adults live with schizophrenia or other related disorders.
People diagnosed often experience:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganized speech
- Disorganized behavior
- Lack of emotional expression
- Social isolation
- Cognitive impairments
- Difficulty with self-care
- Agitation and anxiety
It can be difficult for persons with schizophrenia to assimilate into social and work cultures.
6. Other Mental Disorders
“Other mental disorders” is a broad category encompassing various mental health conditions. This emphasizes the diverse nature of these disabilities.
The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that approximately 57.8 million people have been diagnosed with mental illness. The difficulties of navigating life with a mental illness can be debilitating. However, many people in the U.S. still live happy and productive lives.
7. Physical Injuries
Physical injuries resulting from accidents can lead to disabilities, altering an individual’s ability to work. The sudden and life-changing nature of injuries often necessitates disability claims for financial support.
The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma estimates that over 3 million Americans experience a non-fatal injury every year. Many are due to personal or workplace injuries.
8. Organic Mental Disorders
Organic mental disorders, also known as chronic organic brain syndromes, can result from diseases, injuries, or defects affecting the brain. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are common examples, leading to cognitive impairments.
9. Neoplasms
Neoplasms refer to abnormal growths that can be benign or cancerous. These growths can affect various body parts and disrupt normal functioning, potentially leading to disability.
10. Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disability. Challenges in social interaction and repetitive behaviors commonly characterize it. This can lead to issues maintaining social relationships or advocating for workplace accommodations.
Living With a Disability – Looking To the Future
It is important to promote inclusivity. This will help individuals with disabilities receive the support and legal assistance they deserve.
An experienced attorney can help provide the guidance and advocacy you need. If you or a loved one is facing legal challenges related to disabilities, don’t hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney.
Contact the Chicago Personal Injury Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 726-1616
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 726-1616
