Antidepressants are disqualifying for one year after you stop taking them. You must stop with your doctor's advice; do not stop on your own. These medications often have to be reduced slowly to lower side effects and reduce risk of relapse.
Can you take antidepressants in the military? In the past, the military has disqualified just about any medication related to mental health. However, the current policy is a little different. It generally disqualifies anyone that is or has taken medication for mental illness in the last year.
Can You Enlist If You Have Depression? A person with a depressive disorder must be stable, without treatment or symptoms for a continuous 36 months, to be eligible to enlist.
A diagnosis of depression does not automatically preclude a member from deploying provided they have been effectively treated and have been free of symptoms for a specified period of time.
While a mental health diagnosis generally disqualifies a recruit from the military, therapy and medication are available to service members diagnosed while in uniform.
CII stimulants taken for ADHD/ADD, like Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall, Dexedrine, Focalin XR, Vyvanse, etc. Sedative hypnotics/amestics, when taken for more than three months for the treatment of chronic insomnia. This includes Ambien, Ambien CR, Lunesta, Sonata, ProSom, Halcion, Restoril, Dalmane, etc.
Although services can accept applicant waivers with less stringent restrictions (e.g., the Air Force will consider waivers for recruits stable off medications for 15 months), ADHD diagnosis is consistently a common disqualifier for military service.
“Whilst there are some mental health histories that will almost always preclude entry to the ADF, where there is evidence that a candidate has received treatment and subsequently shown effective functioning in their life, a psychologist may determine that they are suitable to join the ADF,” the spokesperson said.
The use of a psychotropic drug is disqualifying for aeromedical certification purposes. This includes all sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs (including SSRI's - see exceptions), analeptics, anxiolytics, and hallucinogens.
Can individuals be redeployed if they've been diagnosed with anxiety? A diagnosis of anxiety does not automatically preclude a member from deploying provided they have been effectively treated and have been free of symptoms for a specified period of time.
Depression and the Military
In regards to the United States military, depression is a disqualifying mood disorder, according to the team at Verywell Mind. Your depression may disqualify you from service if you have had symptoms or treatment within the past 36 months (3 years).
Seeking support
Military OneSource: The Department of Defense provides this free resource for the military and their families to help with an array of issues, including mental health concerns. It offers a 24/7 toll-free number of 1-(800) 342-9647.
Antidepressant medications are commonly prescribed and generally do not limit deployability.
The most common reason for medical discharge is physical injuries. However, you may also receive a medical discharge over mental health concerns like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Retracting an Enlistment. If you change your mind about joining the military, you can request to be released from the delayed enlistment process—no matter what your recruiter tells you. Most enlistments into the military are through the delayed enlistment process (DEP). The DEP is a legal, binding contract.
But there are some side effects from antidepressants, including those that can affect your sex life. In addition to reducing interest in sex, SSRI medications can make it difficult to become aroused, sustain arousal, and reach orgasm. Some people taking SSRIs aren't able to have an orgasm at all.
Recruiters generally tell applicants that they must be off medication for a considerable length of time — by far the most important measure to take — and show that they are able to function properly while off medication prior to starting the enlistment process and to be considered for a waiver.
Antidepressants, decongestants, and dextromethorphan (an ingredient in Robitussin, Delsym) are examples of medications that can cause false positive results. If you think you've had a false positive result on a urine drug test, talk to your healthcare provider.
However, because ADHD is not disqualifying per se, individuals who want to serve in the military are encouraged to pursue this option, along with other career possibilities.
Like most conditions, anxiety can result in a range of possible disability ratings. This depends on how serious the disorder is and the degree of impairment it causes. A veteran with a diagnosed, service-connected anxiety disorder may be rated from 0% to 100% disabled.
Mental illnesses can be covered by the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act. It is against the law to discriminate against a person because of their disability.
Response 1: Antidepressants are disqualifying for one year after you stop taking them. You must stop with your doctor's advice; do not stop on your own. These medications often have to be reduced slowly to lower side effects and reduce risk of relapse.
Past behavioral issues, to include cutting, bipolar disorder and depression, as well as drug and alcohol abuse generally prevent someone from enlisting or earning a commission. However, the Army will grant waivers in some cases.
Generally, people who are enlisted are not permitted to take ADHD medication, particularly stimulant medication. In addition, the recruiter will want to verify that the individual is able to function adequately while unmedicated.