Trained healthcare personnel may determine if the Service member requires further evaluation or health education and contact the Service member. The MHAs consist of a two-stage self-report assessment using validated tools to assess alcohol use, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depressive symptoms.
Personality and Behavioral Disorders
Disturbances of conduct, impulse control disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, or other personality or behavior disorders characterized by frequent encounters with law enforcement agencies, and antisocial attitudes or behavior also warrant disqualification from service.
Depression
The military will study a case of depression very closely to determine eligibility. In general, any mood disorder that requires medication to treat is a mental health disqualification standard. The military also assesses whether the condition affects your social ability, learning, or work efficiency.
Psychological testing and assessment is one of the most important contributions of psychology to the military.
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.
Current DOD accession policy lists ADHD as disqualifying for military applicants if they meet any of the following conditions: ADHD medication prescribed in the previous 24 months, an educational plan or work accommodation after age 14, a history of comorbid mental health disorders, or documentation of adverse academic ...
In some cases, depression is debilitating enough to lead to a military discharge. However, while many types of depression are typically treatable, this is not the case for everyone. Therefore, even treatable depression could lead to a medical discharge for depression if the symptoms continue for a long period of time.
Take the Myers-Briggs self-assessment to determine your personality type, which may help with career planning, relationships, educational pursuits, learning and more. As a military spouse, you're eligible to take the Myers-Briggs self-assessment at no cost through the SECO program.
The US military doesn't give “IQ tests” per se. If you want to join the United States military you take a test called the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) shortly after you first speak with a recruiter. From that test, they make a decision of where to place in the military.
Other potentially disqualifying conditions under the DOD's “Learning, Psychiatric, and Behavioral Disorders” section include dyslexia, autism, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety.
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).
70% VA Rating for Depression
This rating represents a wide array of symptoms, including progression of previously noted symptoms. Veterans may suffer from all the symptoms of previous ratings, but at higher frequency, duration and severity.
Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (aka PTSD, an anxiety disorder that follows experiencing a traumatic event) are the most common mental health problems faced by returning troops.
Key messages. Thirty-eight per cent of veterans had a code on their medical record for a common mental health disorder. The highest disorder prevalence was depression at 18%, followed by alcohol misuse at 17%, anxiety 15%, post-traumatic stress disorder was 3% and dementia 2%.
The following relationships are permitted in the military and not considered fraternization: Dating between enlisted members of the same rank. Dating between enlisted members and civilian employees or government contractors.
The Army Alpha is a group-administered test developed by Robert Yerkes and six others in order to evaluate the many U.S. military recruits during World War I. It was first introduced in 1917 due to a demand for a systematic method of evaluating the intellectual and emotional functioning of soldiers.
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a heavily researched and well-respected aptitude test developed by the Department of Defense. It measures a young adult's strengths and potential for success in military training.
Key questions on a psychiatric review of systems includes asking questions about mood (both depression and mania), sleep, anxiety, psychosis, obsessions and compulsions, dissociative symptoms, trauma history, body image disturbances, eating disorders, and somatic/pain disorders.
TST Re-Tests. For those candidates who fail the TST, and are recommended by their Army Development and Selection Officer (ADSO), there is only one re-sit allowed with a minimum period of 28 days between tests. Test results are valid for 24 months from the date of the pass.
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.
Untreated mental illness can, however, damage your career. If the symptoms are severe, your commanding officer may require duty limitations or recommend separation from the military for medical reasons.
Mental health is better understood today than ever before, and VA offers disability ratings and benefits to veterans suffering from mental health disorders like anxiety or depression that resulted from military service.