Can someone with a history of depression or diagnosis of bipolar serve in the military?
quote:
However, MEPS doctors will almost always equate evidence of a history of a disorder with the presumption that it is still present. If you go to MEPS make sure that you pre-screen a current psych eval the clearly and emphatically states that you do not have bi-polar or depression. Then expect the doctor to send you out for an independent psych consult.
quote:
So apparently when I was like 11 My parents thought I had been depressed and took me to the doctor and I had to get prescribed anti depressants. are y'all saying this could disqualify me from joining the marines!?
quote:
Also, Dr. Wong does not like being proven wrong (which often happens) by other, more qualified physicians. He's very vindictive to those who do and punitive to those Stations who are able to get him overridden.
quote:
Well I'm trying tapply to join as an officer. Is it different for them?
quote:
And I asked my parents and I guess I never did get diagnosed. But yes it was brief and its never happened again.
quote:
The physical standards are the same for induction as an officer or enlisted except as they apply to aviators and such.
quote:
Your parents' amateur diagnosis is not medical history. A clinical diagnosis by a doctor or psychiatrist is medical history that must be explained and perhaps waivered. The fact that antidepressants were prescribed would suggest to the MEPS doctor that someone with a medical degree did make a diagnosis and they will want to see the medical documents and send you for a psych consult. It should not be a big deal if it was a short duration when you were 11.