disability

In medical practice this term is usually invoked when an insurer (or Social Security) providing benefits to those unable to work requires the treating professional to certify that the patient is disabled. Mental disorders may disable some who suffer from them. The Americans with Disabilities Act defines "disability" as:

1. a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of such individual
2. a record of such an impairment
3. being regarded as having such an impairment