Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 2/5/2009

Question
Ms.Bedell

"Six years ago I saw a psychiatrist voluntarily and was diagnosed as "bipolar" during our second meeting. I pushed the issue of trying medications. She prescribed Effexar. I took it for a month and quit. At the time, I had a young man's mid-life crisis....a new baby, and career issues. I was feeling depressed. Now, I know it was a mistake and possibly a misdiagnosis. I've completed a master's degree, have family, and feel great. I am in the process in joining 'active first' with the US Army. Can I qualify? I don't even think my medical doctor has a record of it. What do I tell MEPS? If I do not disclose, a security clearance check will find out, right? Need help!"

Answer
Dear Steve --

Be honest on your medical history.  Then if you get "disqualified" at MEPS, you will request a waiver, and state what you have stated above.  You will likely have to get a new psychiatric diagnosis, but if that is good, you should earn your waiver.

Please write back, if you have other questions or concerns during the enlistment process.  Good luck to you.