Does the military accept ADHD?

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 ...


Which military branch accepts ADHD?

Can You Get a Waiver for ADHD in the Military? A candidate with ADHD who meets the criteria outlined above needs a medical waiver to be able to enlist into any branch of the military.

Can you take ADHD meds 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.


Will the military deny you for 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.

Can I take Adderall in 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.


Having ADHD and being in the military!



How many people in the military have ADHD?

Research shows ADHD persisting into adulthood in 10% to 60% of cases translating to about 4.5% of adults (Gentile, Atiq & Gillig, 2006). The rate of ADHD among Department of Defense (DOD) personnel ranged between 1.7% and 3.9% during 2008-2018 (Sayers, Hu, & Clark, 2021).

What mental disorders disqualify you from the military?

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.

What disabilities are not allowed in the military?

What Types of Disabilities are Disqualifying?
  • Blindness or low vision that does not correct with glasses.
  • Deafness of hard of hearing, even with the use of a hearing aid.
  • History of Bariatric Surgery.
  • Anything that interferes with the proper wearing of a military uniform or equipment. Limitation of motion. HIV or AIDS.


Can I join the military if I've been in a mental hospital?

Joining the Military After Mental Health Treatment

For depressive disorders such as major depressive disorder, or anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, an individual may be disqualified from service if they've completed more than 12 months of outpatient treatment or any duration of inpatient treatment.

Will the military kick you out for anxiety?

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.

Is depression disqualifying military?

Depression in the Military Environment

Having a previously diagnosed mental health condition such as depression can actually be a disqualifying factor for service in the United States military, though individuals may be considered on a case-by-case basis.


Why can't you quit the military?

There is no way to simply quit the military once you are on active duty. You are contractually, and perhaps morally, obligated to see your commitment through. However, you could be discharged from duty early if you are physically or psychologically unable to perform your duties.

What medications make you non deployable?

This includes antimetabolites, alkylators, antiestrogens, aromatose inhibitors, medroxyprogesterone, interferons, etoposide, bicalutamide, bexarotene, and oral tretinoin.

What drugs can you not do in the military?

Members of the United States Military are held to stricter standards than typical civilians, and there is no exception when it comes to illicit substances.
...
This includes:
  • Marijuana.
  • Spice.
  • Amphetamines.
  • Anabolic Steroids.
  • Synthetic Cannabinoids.
  • Other mood-altering substances.


What disqualifies you from deployment?

Any medical condition that could result in sudden incapacitation including a history of stroke within the last 24 months, seizure disorders, and diabetes mellitus type I or II, treated with insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents.

Can you join 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 is quitting the military called?

Discharge: Complete separation from all military status gained by the enlistment or induction concerned.


At what age can you no longer be in the military?

The maximum age to join the Army as an enlisted Soldier is 35, while Officers must accept their commission before age 31. However, the Army can lift some restrictions based on the need for certain roles to be filled. It's possible to receive an age waiver if you retire with 20 years of military service by age 55.

Do you get paid for basic training?

Do You Get Paid for Basic Training? Yes. You'll be glad to hear you're at least getting paid to struggle through challenges that will shape you into a soldier. During the in-processing of Week Zero, the Army will establish your military pay records and scale.

Does the military check mental health records?

Obviously, certain security and safety positions like law enforcement and military agencies require a person to pass a mental health check. This almost always carries an in-depth look at any previous mental health issues you may have had.


Can I join the military with bipolar?

Milley read off DoD policy that states the individuals diagnosed with mood disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder as well as any condition involving self-mutilation are disqualified from entering military service.

Does the military look at your medical records?

Because the military does not routinely pull medical records, recruits who pass their physical and reveal no prior history may get in. However, if the soldier later gets sick or injured, the Army can check medical records if an undisclosed pre-existing condition is suspected.

What happens if you refuse the draft?

If you are required to register and you do not, you will not be eligible for state-based student aid in many states, federal job training, or a federal job. You may be prosecuted and face a fine of up to $250,000 and jail time of up to five years.


Is therapy disqualifying for military?

While a mental health diagnosis generally disqualifies a recruit from the military, therapy and medication are available to service members diagnosed while in uniform.

Who can't be drafted into the US military?

The Vice-President of the United States, the Judges of the various Courts of the Untied States, the heads of the various executive departments of the Government, and the Governors of the several States. 2. The only son liable to military duty of a widow dependent upon his labor for support.