Can you join the military if you have ADHD?

While ADHD alone does not disqualify a person from military service, the Department of Defense (DOD) places significant enlistment restrictions on individuals with an ADHD diagnosis and/or prior treatment with medication. Has documentation of adverse academic, occupational, or work performance.


How long do you have to be off ADHD medication to join the military?

In the Army, Navy, and Marines in particular, recruiters largely advise applicants with ADHD to be off any and all stimulant or nonstimulant medications for at least one year.

Can you take ADHD medication in the military?

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.


What happens if you are diagnosed with ADHD in the military?

Applicants with an ADHD diagnosis are thoroughly evaluated during medical screening at MEPS, with severe/debilitating cases disqualified. Most individuals with ADHD are effectively treated with medication, psychiatric care, or a combination of both (Wigal, 2009).

Can you get a waiver for ADHD in the military?

Previously, if an individual was treated for ADHD as a child or adolescent, they were disqualified from military service under Defense Department policy. The DoD relaxed some rules in 2010 and further amended how it grants waivers in 2015.


Can You Join The Army With ADHD or ASTHMA?



Can I take Adderall in the military?

Candidates currently taking ADD/ADHD medications are not deployable, and if they have taken prescriptions like Adderall or Ritalin in the past, then they must present a waiver from a doctor stating that they have not shown significant symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention or impulsivity, in the last seven years.

What disqualifies you from military?

There are age, citizenship, physical, education, height/weight, criminal record, medical, and drug history standards that can exclude you from joining the military.

What are 3 types of ADHD?

Three major types of ADHD include the following:
  • ADHD, combined type. This, the most common type of ADHD, is characterized by impulsive and hyperactive behaviors as well as inattention and distractibility.
  • ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type. ...
  • ADHD, inattentive and distractible type.


Why can't you take Adderall in the military?

Some substances considered “smart drugs” such as Adderall are prescription-only; military members using Adderall without a prescription are in violation of military regulations that govern the use of controlled substances.

Is ADHD considered mental illness?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.

Can I join the military on antidepressants?

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.


What medications prevent you from joining the military?

This includes Ativan, Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, etc. 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.

What drugs can you not do in the military?

All branches observe a no-tolerance policy when it comes to drugs and supplements that are on the military banned substance list. This can sometimes create conflict.
...
DEA Controlled Substances Banned by the Military
  • Marijuana.
  • Spice.
  • Amphetamines.
  • Anabolic Steroids.
  • Synthetic Cannabinoids.
  • Other mood-altering substances.


Are you born with ADHD?

ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.


Can ADHD go away?

Many children (perhaps as many as half) will outgrow their symptoms but others do not, so ADHD can affect a person into adulthood.

Can ADHD be cured?

ADHD can't be prevented or cured. But spotting it early, plus having a good treatment and education plan, can help a child or adult with ADHD manage their symptoms.

How tall is too tall for the military?

The ideal height requirement for men in the military is between 60-80 inches / 152-203 cm. Anyone above or below this requirement is likely to get rejected.


Can you join the military with anxiety?

For anxiety disorders (for example, panic disorder), a person cannot enter the armed services if they needed any inpatient care, or outpatient care for more than 12 months cumulatively. They must not have needed any treatment for their anxiety disorder in the past 36 months.

Who is unfit for military service?

To be found unfit for duty, you: must have a medical condition that disqualifies you from fitness for service, and. cannot reasonably be expected to perform the duties of your rank and military career due to this medical condition.

Can you be a pilot with ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ), formerly called Attention Deficit Disorder ( ADD ), and medications used for treatment may result in cognitive deficits that would make an airman unsafe to perform pilot duties.


Can you be in the military with autism?

According to the U.S. Air Force Medical Standards Directory, Autism Spectrum Disorder is not disqualifying for continued military service unless it is currently--or has a history of--compromising military duty or training.

Can I refuse a drug test in the military?

Servicemembers cannot refuse drug tests when they are administered for medical testing. The results of a drug test for medical testing can be used against you in both administrative and court-martial proceedings. Consent. A commander can ask you to consent to a drug test.

Can you not smoke in the military?

Smoke-free Policy Efforts

The Department of Defense tobacco control policy (set forth in health promotion policy directive 1010.10 and directive 1010.15) prohibits smoking in indoor facilities; however, the policy includes many exemptions.


Who gets drafted first for war?

The first men drafted would be those turning age 20 during the calendar year of the lottery.

Can you get kicked out of military for depression?

In the military's scheme of things, serious disorders such as major depression, anxiety or schizophrenia may be grounds for medical discharge or retirement, usually depending on their severity and amenability to treatment.
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