Blog

Firm News

SUV Roof Strength is Seriously Lacking...
Posted on 7/2/2008
West Virginians who are receiving Social Security Disability or SSI Must File Tax Returns To Receive Federal Tax Rebate Money...
Posted on 6/26/2008
Arbitration Clauses Erode Patient Rights in Nursing Homes...
Posted on 6/18/2008

view all

Legal Library

Social Security Disability

Helpful Internet Resources

Social Security Disability

DSM-IV Online: Psychiatric Diagnoses are categorized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th. Edition. Better known as the DSM-IV, the manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and covers all mental health disorders for both children and adults. It also lists known causes of these disorders, statistics in terms of gender, age at onset, and prognosis as well as some research concerning the optimal treatment approaches.

Mental Health Professionals use this manual when working with patients in order to better understand their illness and potential treatment and to help 3rd party payers (e.g., insurance) understand the needs of the patient. The book is typically considered the ‘bible’ for any professional who makes psychiatric diagnoses in the United States and many other countries. Much of the diagnostic information on these pages is gathered from the DSM IV.

The DSM IV is published by the American Psychiatric Association. Much of the information from the Psychiatric Disorders pages is summarized from the pages of this text. Should any questions arise concerning incongruencies or inaccurate information, you should always default to the DSM as the ultimate guide to mental disorders.
Medical Abbreviations Dictionary: Medical and Pharmaceutical Abbreviations Dictionary
Panic/Anxiety Disorder: Panic Disorder
What is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress. More about Panic Disorder »

Signs & Symptoms
People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. During a panic attack, most likely your heart will pound and you may feel sweaty, weak, faint, or dizzy. Your hands may tingle or feel numb, and you might feel flushed or chilled. You may have nausea, chest pain or smothering sensations, a sense of unreality, or fear of impending doom or loss of control. More about Signs & Symptoms »

Treatment
Effective treatments for panic disorder are available, and research is yielding new, improved therapies that can help most people with panic disorder and other anxiety disorders lead productive, fulfilling lives

Genreralized Anxiety Disorder,Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder & Agoraphbia, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Sleep Disorders
Lupus Fondation of America: Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys and brain. Normally the body's immune system makes proteins called antibodies, to protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other foreign materials. These foreign materials are called antigens.

In an autoimmune disorder like lupus, the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissues. The immune system then makes antibodies directed against itself. These antibodies -- called "auto-antibodies" (auto means 'self') -- cause inflammation, pain and damage in various parts of the body.
Bipolar Disorder: From high to low. From mania to depression. From recklessness to listlessness. These are the extremes associated with bipolar disorder, a mental illness characterized by mood instability that can be serious and disabling. Bipolar disorder is also known as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness — manic behavior is one extreme of this disorder, and depression is the other.

The deep mood swings of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months, causing great disturbances in the lives of those affected, and those of family and friends, too. Today, a growing volume of research suggests that bipolar disorder occurs across a spectrum of symptoms, and that many people aren't correctly diagnosed. Left untreated, bipolar disorder generally worsens, and the suicide rate is high among those with bipolar disorder. But with effective treatment, you can live an enjoyable and productive life despite bipolar disorder.
Asthma: The airways are tubes that carry air into and out of your lungs. People who have asthma have inflamed airways. This makes the airways swollen and very sensitive. They tend to react strongly to certain substances that are breathed in.

When the airways react, the muscles around them tighten. This causes the airways to narrow, and less air flows to your lungs. The swelling also can worsen, making the airways even narrower. Cells in the airways may make more mucus than normal. Mucus is a sticky, thick liquid that can further narrow your airways.

This chain reaction can result in asthma symptoms. Symptoms can happen each time the airways are irritated.
Arthritis Foundation: Symtpoms and Treatment for Arthritis. Research tool for types of arthritis and other related conditions, including, but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Gray's Anatomy: Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body. A anatomical view of the human body. Consumer research tool.
Merck Manual: A series of healthcare books for medical professionals and consumers.
Social Security Admin.
National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives

West Virginia Court

West Virginia State Government

Federal Government

West Virginia Newspapers

National Newspapers

If you need help from a Law Firm in Another State:

Southern Illinois Memory Loss Lawyer | Habiger & Associates Elder Law

Those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, stroke or other forms of memory loss need legal assistance in planning for their secure future and the secure futures of their loved ones. At Habiger & Associates, we specialize in assisting families in Southern Illinois struggling with the health care and long-term care issues of those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss. Call us today for a free telephone consultation.

Habiger & Associates Elder Law Office
2004 West Woodriver Drive
Suite 100
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
618-549-4529
www.habigerelderlaw.com