What is a psychiatric disability?

The following disorders are recognized by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in Washington, DC, as psychiatric disabilities that qualify for workplace accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):

• bipolar disorder;
• major depression;
• post-traumatic stress disorder;
• anxiety disorders.

These psychiatric conditions are not considered disabilities that qualify for workplace accommodation under the ADA:

• sexual behavior disorders;
• compulsive gambling;
• kleptomania;
• pyromania;
• substance abuse.

In addition, bad character traits and poor work behavior are not considered disabilities that qualify for workplace accommodation. Those include:

• irritability;
• chronic lateness;
• poor judgment.