What you have to prove
Medical documentation of the disorder, AND either (A) extreme limitation of one, OR marked limitation of two, of the following areas: understand/remember/apply information; interact with others; concentrate/persist/maintain pace; adapt or manage oneself; OR (B) serious and persistent disorder over at least 2 years with ongoing medical treatment AND minimal capacity to adapt to changes.
Medical evidence SSA expects
Psychiatrist's records, treatment history including antipsychotic medications, hospitalization records, third-party observations from family or caregivers, and functional assessments.
Common misconceptions
High-functioning individuals on stable medications often don't meet the listing. SSA evaluates the 'Paragraph B' functional areas holistically — a few good days don't disqualify someone who has marked overall impairment.