TPD CLAIMS FOR DEPRESSION
Chances are that your superannuation fund provides insurance cover for illnesses such as depression. Our Australian TPD solicitors specialise in handling TPD claims for depression and related mood disorders on a No Win No Fee basis. Call our helpline 1800 352 100 for free and confidential advice.
Can I claim TPD for depression?
If you have been diagnosed with a mood disorder such as depression that has affected your ability to work, you may be eligible to make a claim for Total and Permanent Disability (TPD Claim) or Income Protection. You will need to check with your super fund or insurance company to see whether you are covered for depression. If you require legal advice in making or appealing an insurance claim, call our free advice line on 1800 352 100 or complete the contact form.
Depressive Disorders
About one in seven Australians will experience depression in their lifetime. In addition, depression is the number one cause of non-fatal disability in Australia (23%). Major depressive disorder is the most common of the diagnosed disorders of mood and is 1.5 to 3 times more likely in women than it is in men.
Types of depressive disorders include:
- Major Depressive Disorder (or Major Depression)
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
The common features of the above disorders are sadness, feeling empty, irritable mood, as well as somatic and cognitive changes. What differs among these diagnostic labels are issues of duration and timing of the illness, or presumed etiology.
Symptoms of Depression
There are various types of depression, but common signs and symptoms include:
- Depressed mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities
- Reduced energy and motivation
- Fatigue
- Significant weight gain or weight loss
- Sleep disturbance
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Diminished ability to think and make decisions
- Loss of concentration
- Suicidal thoughts
Causes of Depression
- Familial predisposition
- Deficiency of norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin
- Hypothalamic dysfunction
- Psychosocial factors
Treatment for Depressive Disorders
If you suffer from depression it is important that you seek medical attention from your GP. They may feel that it is appropriate to refer you to a psychologist and/or psychiatrist for treatment.
Treatment for depression may include:
- Antidepressants: usually SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Lexapro, Luvox, Paxil); selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (Effexor, Pristiq, Cymbalta); heterocyclics (Endep, Tofranil); monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (Nardil, Parnate, Marplan).
- Psychological management: psychoanalytic, interpersonal, family, behavioral, and cognitive therapies.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
- Emerging treatments: Vagal nerve stimulation; Transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Psychological management in conjunction with medication is more effective than either type of management alone.
Depression and ability to work
In the workplace, depression can affect your concentration, ability to make decisions, productivity and overall job performance. Where depression persists, this frequently results in patients having to take long-term sick leave or leaving their work completely. This then has financial consequences for the patient and their family.
Depending on the severity of your illness and the type of insurance coverage that you have, you could be eligible to make a TPD claim or income protection claim. It may also be possible to access your super early. It will be important to assess the definitions in your policy as well as the medical evidence regarding your condition to see whether you are eligible to make a claim.
Our TPD claims solicitors are experts at handling mental illness cases. For free legal advice on claiming disability insurance for depression, contact our legal service.
Free Legal Helpline: 1800 352 100.