Expert: Rod Powers - 9/7/2009

Question
In fourth grade, I was diagnosed with ADD and prescribed Ritalin (at my mom's request). I stayed on it for about a month before my mom questioned the diagnosis (because at the time ADD diagnosis seemed be a kind of  fad) and took me off the drug. I went on to complete high school and most of college just fine. Last may, during my third to last semester of college, I was have a problems focusing and staying on task, and thought that maybe I would go to a doctor about adult ADHD. The doctor said that my problems were probably due to a series of stressful things going on in my life at the time including exams, moving, and a bad relationship, and just being stressed and upset was the cause. However, he prescribed me Adderal (at my request) to try out to see if it helped at all, and told me to let him know. Well, I took half a pill once and thought it was the absolutely the worst thing I had ever experienced and never took it again.  In a couple weeks, I began to feel fine and completely forgot to get back to him and went on to finish college and graduate.

Now, I am wanting to join the Navy and I told my recruiter what I wrote above. They said not even to mention it., since both instances were relatively minor. I felt a little intimidated at the time and agreed, however, I really don't feel right about that. Is there a chance that my diagnosis in elementary school, and the prescription of Adderal could disqualify me? I honestly believe now that I do not have or ever had ADD/ADHD. But since I never got back to the doctor, the fact that I was fine is not documented.  I do plan on including both of those instances in my medical report, but should I go to MEPS prepared with medical records and possibly a current evaluation from a doctor that can attest that I am functioning fine? am I worrying too much? I want to be completely honest, but prepared.

Answer
Hi Maggie,

Your diagnosis in elementary school probably won't be a factor (see: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/joiningthemilitary/a/neurotic.htm).

However, the Adderal may be a problem because you've used it within the past 12 months.

Hope this helps!

Rod Powers
http://usmilitary.about.com