Psychosocial disability

Key points: 

• Without adequate support, having psychosocial disability can negatively impact mental health conditions
• Once diagnosed, people with psychosocial disability can undergo a range of treatments
• Not all mental health conditions are considered to be disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme

What is psychosocial disability?

Psychosocial disability can arise when someone with mental health issues interacts with a social environment that presents barriers to them that others do not experience.

A psychosocial disability may restrict a person’s ability to:

• be in certain types of environments;
• concentrate;
• have enough stamina to complete tasks;
• cope with time pressures and multiple tasks;
• interact with others;
• understand constructive feedback; and
• manage stress effectively.

Examples of psychosocial disability include:

• schizoid disorders, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder; 
• anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and agoraphobia; and 
• social phobia or mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder.

It is important to know not everyone with a mental health issue will have a psychosocial disability, but people who are affected are less likely to engage in education, training and social activities.

Without adequate support, psychosocial disability can exacerbate mental health conditions and cause a range of negative flow-on effects.

Once diagnosed, a person with a psychosocial disability can undergo psychological therapy with a doctor, psychologist or other health professionals, take medication to restore the chemical imbalances in their brain, reduce symptoms and attend community support programs.

These programs may help someone to access accommodation, employment, training, education and psychosocial rehabilitation.

Psychosocial disability and the NDIS

Not all mental health conditions are considered a disability under the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

If the psychosocial disability is permanent or likely to be permanent, this may have a significant impact on the person’s everyday life and their ability to participate in the community.

They may also lifelong support and could receive NDIS support, provided they meet the other age and residency requirements.

Read more about how the NDIS can support you if you’re living with a psychosocial disability in the article mental health and the NDIS.

How do you manage your psychosocial disability?

Let the team at Disability Support Guide know on social media.

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